SpaceX is moving to challenge traditional US wireless carriers with a new spectrum acquisition agreement that could help its Starlink satellite service deliver mobile connectivity across the country, including in areas where conventional cellular networks struggle to reach.
The company announced on October 8 that it had agreed to acquire a nationwide portfolio of low-band spectrum licenses, a move it says will help Starlink Mobile become a major mobile carrier in the United States . The agreement covers up to 14 megahertz of paired spectrum in the 800 MHz band, according to SpaceX’s announcement. The company plans to combine its new terrestrial spectrum with its existing global 2 GHz mid-band spectrum and satellite network.
The company said the newly acquired spectrum, combined with its next-generation Starlink satellite constellation, would help provide high-speed mobile broadband to Americans regardless of their location. The deal marks a significant step in SpaceX’s push beyond satellite broadband towards a more direct role in the mobile telecommunications market. The resulting architecture would integrate satellite connectivity with terrestrial infrastructure, potentially allowing compatible devices to connect across a broader range of locations. The deal involves spectrum from investment firm Grain Management. The low-band frequencies could help SpaceX overcome some of the limitations of relying exclusively on satellites for mobile connectivity. The development also comes as SpaceX expands its direct-to-device capabilities and invests in its next- generation satellite constellation. The company has positioned satellite connectivity as a way to extend coverage to areas underserved by conventional networks.
