Business · Companies · 1 day ago
SpaceX buys US mobile spectrum to expand beyond satellite service
SpaceX, the company behind Starlink, has bought licenses to use frequencies in the 800-megahertz band from investment firm Grain Management.
The frequencies are intended for a ground-based mobile network in the United States, alongside Starlink’s satellite service.
SpaceX wants to become a mobile phone operator and compete with established US carriers such as AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.
Satellite service can cover remote areas, but its signal can weaken in cities and may not reach well inside buildings.
Lower-frequency signals can pass through walls and are supported by most smartphones, according to one account of the deal.
The network could improve Starlink’s coverage, but SpaceX needs approval from the Federal Communications Commission before it can proceed.
The amount paid was not stated by one source, while another cited an estimate of about $8 billion.
SpaceX has bought licenses for low-band spectrum around 800 megahertz from investment firm Grain Management as it seeks to enter the US mobile-phone market.
Le Monde reports the purchase covers about 14 megahertz and cites a Wall Street Journal estimate of a price of about $8 billion; Il Sole 24 Ore says the price was not disclosed.
SpaceX plans to add a terrestrial mobile network to Starlink’s satellite service, aiming to improve coverage in cities and inside buildings, where satellite signals can be weaker.
The acquired licenses cover almost the entire US population, according to Il Sole 24 Ore.
The plan requires approval from the Federal Communications Commission, the US telecom regulator.
- Who
- SpaceX, the parent company of Starlink, and Grain Management
- What
- SpaceX acquired low-band spectrum licenses to support a planned US terrestrial mobile network alongside Starlink
- When
- Announced on Thursday, October 8, 2026
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To expand Starlink coverage, particularly in cities and inside buildings
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
even inside buildings
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Spectrum band
- Around 800 megahertz
- Amount of spectrum
- About 14 megahertz, according to Le Monde
- Reported price
- About $8 billion, according to a Wall Street Journal estimate cited by Le Monde; Il Sole 24 Ore says the price was not disclosed
- Seller
- Grain Management
- Regulatory approval
- Federal Communications Commission approval is required
Sources
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