Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 4 hrs ago
SpaceX and Qualcomm plan Starlink Mobile 5G network rollout in 2027
SpaceX and Qualcomm signed a multi-year deal to build a ground-based 5G network for Starlink Mobile in the United States.
SpaceX plans to start deploying the network in 2027 and build tens of thousands of sites.
Qualcomm will provide Dragonwing technology for the cell sites, including equipment and software designed to improve coverage, capacity and efficiency.
The network will combine ground-based 5G with Starlink satellites, which are intended to help provide service where cell sites do not reach.
This would expand SpaceX from satellite communications into operating a mobile network of its own.
Starlink Mobile aims to compete with major US carriers such as AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.
The companies say the infrastructure could also help lay groundwork for future 6G networks.
SpaceX has signed a multi-year agreement with Qualcomm to supply technology for Starlink Mobile’s US ground-based 5G network.
The companies plan to begin deploying the network in 2027, with tens of thousands of cell sites across the United States.
Qualcomm will provide its Dragonwing cellular infrastructure platforms, which SpaceX plans to combine with its direct-to-cell satellite network.
The agreement supports SpaceX’s goal of becoming a major US mobile carrier and competing with AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.
- Who
- SpaceX and Qualcomm.
- What
- They signed a multi-year deal for Qualcomm to supply technology for Starlink Mobile’s ground-based 5G network.
- When
- The agreement was announced on November 4, 2026. Deployment is planned to begin in 2027.
- Where
- Across the United States.
- Why
- SpaceX aims to build a mobile network that combines ground-based 5G with satellite service and compete with major US carriers.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
SpaceX announced an agreement to acquire a nationwide portfolio of licenses that includes low-band spectrum for use across the United States.
SpaceX and Qualcomm announced their multi-year agreement for Starlink Mobile’s ground-based 5G network.
SpaceX plans to begin deploying the US network.
- Deployment start
- 2027
- Planned scale
- Tens of thousands of US cell sites
- Qualcomm platform
- Dragonwing, including QRU100 and QDU100
- Network technology
- Massive MIMO with 64 transmit and 64 receive antenna paths
- Agreement length
- Multi-year
6 sources
SpaceX、Qualcommと複数年契約 「Starlink Mobile」の地上5G網を2027年から全米に展開へ
SpaceX’s Starlink Mobile takes on US phone giants with Qualcomm-powered 5G push
SpaceX ve Qualcomm'dan 5G ağı için işbirliği
SpaceX se alía con Qualcomm; busca acelerar su red móvil 5G en Estados Unidos
SpaceX is working with Qualcomm to build its Starlink Mobile 5G network
Elon Musk's SpaceX taps Qualcomm to challenge Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile with nationwide 5G
What people are saying
Together with SpaceX, we are building world-leading cellular infrastructure in the United States, advancing 5G today
The era when calls drop at home or on the go should end
Finally, one network with good signal everywhere
Posts on X
SpaceX selected Qualcomm Dragonwing to accelerate @Starlink Mobile’s nationwide terrestrial 5G network. Together with @elonmusk and the @SpaceX team, we’re excited to build world-leading cellular infrastructure and a path to AI-native 6G. 🤜🤛
At last there will be one network with good signal everywhere!