My guess is it works out more cost effective to buy an existing network of customers than it does to build from scratch.

Honestly, I don't think it was a bad move considering all the options. I do think he got the timing wrong, overpaid, pissed off a lot of people and still has a long way to go. It's like trying to transform a submarine into a space ship while people are still on it.

Many have doubted Elon before but I wouldn't bet against him.