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Elon Musk's SpaceX has reportedly entered discussions with EchoStar about launching its own U.S. mobile phone service through Boost Mobile.
The Washington Post reported on November 2 that SpaceX was considering acquiring Boost Mobile or gaining access to its wireless network. Meanwhile, traders on cryptocurrency prediction platform Polymarket raised their expectations for a possible SpaceX mobile carrier launch in 2027.
Traders on Polygon-based Polymarket assigned a 22% probability to SpaceX launching a U.S. mobile phone plan by June 30, 2027. The figure increased from 13% a day earlier, Benzinga reported on November 3.
Similarly, the probability of SpaceX becoming a U.S. mobile carrier by December 31, 2027, climbed from 26% to 28%. The changes followed reports about the company's discussions with EchoStar.
Polymarket allows participants to trade contracts based on future events. Consequently, market probabilities change as traders respond to new information and adjust their expectations.
However, these figures represent traders' assessments rather than confirmed company plans. Neither SpaceX nor EchoStar has announced a launch date for a new wireless service. The contracts also concern SpaceX becoming a mobile carrier, rather than the satellite connectivity it already provides through partners.
The Washington Post reported that SpaceX had held discussions with EchoStar over recent months. Musk reportedly met EchoStar Chairman Charlie Ergen in October to discuss a potential agreement. However, SpaceX and EchoStar did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The proposed arrangement could involve purchasing Boost Mobile or accessing its existing network. Boost currently leases wireless capacity from AT&T and T-Mobile to serve customers across the United States.
The Washington Post also reported that Musk previously approached Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile about network access. However, those companies reportedly rejected the requests.
Any agreement involving Boost could require approval from AT&T and T-Mobile. Their existing network contracts may not automatically transfer to another company following an acquisition.
EchoStar reported 7.38 million wireless subscribers at the end of the second quarter, mainly through Boost Mobile and Gen Mobile. That customer base could provide SpaceX with an established distribution channel.
SpaceX plans to combine its Starlink satellite network with ground-based mobile infrastructure. The proposed service would compete with established U.S. wireless providers, including Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile.
In October, SpaceX agreed to acquire wireless spectrum licenses worth USD 8 billion. Musk described the purchase as the “last critical piece” needed to provide broader phone coverage across the United States.
However, analysts have questioned whether satellite networks can deliver reliable service in densely populated areas. Satellite signals currently face limitations inside buildings and locations with heavy network demand.
SpaceX would also need substantial investment in ground infrastructure, customer support, devices and promotional activities. These requirements remain part of the company's effort to enter the U.S. wireless market.
Meanwhile, investors continue assessing whether a Boost Mobile agreement could support SpaceX's expansion plans. The reported discussions have yet to produce a confirmed transaction or official timeline for launching a U.S. mobile phone plan.
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