Analysts have suggested that SpaceX (SPCX.US) may be considering an acquisition of T-Mobile US (TMUS.US) as part of its ambitious plan to develop its Starlink service into a comprehensive connectivity platform offering broadband, mobile, and hybrid satellite-terrestrial networks.

TD Cowen analyst Gregory Williams commented, "If SpaceX is unable to secure a wholesale network agreement or simply wants to quickly capture the economic benefits of ownership, then T-Mobile stands out as the clear best choice in our view, given its growth momentum, maverick culture, pure-play wireless service provider status, and its existing Starlink partnership."

Starlink is currently exploring collaborations with the three major US telecom carriers—AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile—to pool spectrum resources to expand capacity and develop satellite-based "direct-to-device" technology aimed at eliminating rural coverage gaps. However, to offer both terrestrial and satellite-based wireless services, it would need to lease network capacity on a wholesale basis from one of these major operators.

Regarding the potential for an acquisition in the wireless sector, Williams noted, "SpaceX would need a willing seller. Since T-Mobile is the most logical fit, this dynamic introduced by SpaceX might be the very catalyst that prompts T-Mobile's parent company, Deutsche Telekom, to seek full ownership and control of its highly profitable US subsidiary."

The prospect of a potential acquisition of T-Mobile US by SpaceX provided a modest lift to the telecommunications sector at Thursday's market open.