Science & Tech · Space · 2 days ago
SpaceX plans to expand Starlink into a major US mobile carrier
SpaceX wants Starlink Mobile to become a major mobile carrier in the United States, rather than mainly offering satellite connections.
It has agreed to buy a nationwide portfolio of low-band spectrum licenses from investment firm Grain Management.
The low-band frequencies can help signals pass through walls, addressing a weakness of satellite-based phone service.
Most existing mobile phones support the band, according to SpaceX.
Starlink Mobile currently works with local carriers, including T-Mobile in the United States.
The FCC still needs to approve the spectrum deal, but it has approved SpaceX’s plan to deploy 15,000 Starlink Mobile satellites.
SpaceX says combining satellites with ground-based equipment will extend coverage, but building a mobile network may take time.
SpaceX has agreed to buy low-band radio spectrum licenses from Grain Management as it seeks to make Starlink Mobile a major U.S. mobile carrier.
The spectrum could help Starlink signals reach customers inside buildings, where walls and roofs can weaken signals.
The agreement still needs approval from the Federal Communications Commission.
The FCC has approved Starlink Mobile’s application to deploy 15,000 satellites optimized for the 2 GHz band.
SpaceX says combining satellite and terrestrial infrastructure will support broader mobile coverage, while an analyst said scaling its wireless ambitions will take time.
- Who
- SpaceX and its Starlink Mobile business.
- What
- SpaceX has agreed to buy low-band spectrum licenses from Grain Management to expand Starlink Mobile into a major U.S. carrier.
- When
- The announcement was reported on October 9, 2026.
- Where
- The United States.
- Why
- The low-band spectrum can help signals penetrate walls and reach customers indoors.
SpaceX
UBS analyst John Hodulik
Impact on mobile services
SpaceX
SpaceX says the spectrum is the last critical piece needed to provide complete phone coverage in America.
UBS analyst John Hodulik
Hodulik said scaling SpaceX’s wireless ambitions will take time and that the near-term impact on the wireless industry is limited.
This is the last critical piece of the spectrum puzzle needed for SpaceX to provide complete phone coverage in America
That said, we still believe it will take time for SpaceX to scale its wireless ambitions, and the impact to near-term wireless industry fundamentals is limited.
SpaceX acquired spectrum licenses from EchoStar, according to Tom's Guide and Engadget.
SpaceX announced its agreement to buy Grain Management's low-band spectrum licenses.
Reports said the FCC had approved Starlink Mobile's application to deploy 15,000 satellites.
- Spectrum seller
- Grain Management
- Spectrum band
- 800 MHz
- Spectrum amount
- Up to 14 MHz of paired spectrum
- Satellite deployment
- 15,000 Starlink Mobile satellites approved by the FCC
- Existing satellite spectrum
- 2 GHz
Sources
SpaceX says Starlink will "become a major mobile carrier in the U.S."
SpaceX to become ‘major mobile carrier’ in US with Starlink Mobile upgrades
SpaceX just announced plans to make Starlink a 'major' US mobile carrier
SpaceX wants to become a 'major mobile carrier' with low-band spectrum acquisition
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