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The carrier Boost Mobile is starting to sell access to SpaceX’s Starlink at 120 stores, giving a way for the satellite internet service to reach more US consumers.
On Wednesday, Boost Mobile confirmed the sales, which was first reported by Wave7 Research and later by Light Reading. Although Boost Mobile is only piloting the Starlink sales, the test is part of a major deal that SpaceX reached with the carrier's parent EchoStar back in September to acquire valuable radio spectrum.
The spectrum deal also created a partnership between the two companies since EchoStar is receiving billions in SpaceX stock. Back in November, EchoStar published a stock exchange filing that indicated the company plans to offer its wireless customers access to SpaceX’s broadband services, and even refer Hughesnet subscribers to Starlink.
Wave7 Research, which studies the US's wireless market, first reported on the Starlink-Boost Mobile test sales in a research note. Jeff Moore, who founded Wave7, says that Boost Mobile has more than 3,000 stores in the country. Many of the locations also sell access to other internet providers, such as Xfinity and Spectrum.
He expects many Boost Mobile dealers will welcome the Starlink pilot since it could boost foot traffic to their stores. "The dealers are always looking for something else they can sell to make more money," Moore added. As for SpaceX, it gives the company another channel to push Starlink, which is also being physically sold at Best Buy, Walmart and Sam's Club stores, he noted.
So far, the Boost Mobile's offiical site doesn’t appear to mention the Starlink test sales. But one Boost Mobile store in Texas began promoting the Starlink sales on Facebook this past weekend, saying: “We’re the only authorized retailer in town!” A store representative told PCMag an interested customer can visit and place an order for the Starlink hardware, which will be shipped to their address the next day.
Of course, consumers can also use the official Starlink.com site or even a third-party retailer such as Best Buy or Home Depot to help them buy the satellite internet service. But one key difference is that Boost Mobile is offering technician support to help the customers install the Starlink hardware, which could include placing it on a house’s roof. This comes as SpaceX began officially listing OnTech Smart Services, a service from EchoStar's Dish Network, as an official installer for Starlink. On top of this, a Dish Network site has also been selling access to Starlink.
SpaceX didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. The official Starlink.com site makes no mention of the Boost Mobile partnership either. But there’s been growing signs that Elon Musk company has been gearing up to market Starlink even more. This has included cheaper monthly plans, running an ad for the satellite internet service during the NFL Super Bowl and opening a few retail shops in parts of the US.
Moore also noted that SpaceX has even bought billboards advertising Starlink.
Editor's note: This article has been updated with information from Wave7 Research.