Business · Markets · 2 hrs ago
SpaceX’s Starlink moves toward offering mobile phone service in the US
SpaceX has acquired low-frequency radio spectrum in the United States, which its Starlink business can use to offer mobile phone service to ordinary phones.
The spectrum was held by investment firm Grain Management and was previously used for mobile networks.
Starlink plans to combine it with satellites and ground-based equipment to improve coverage, including indoors, where satellite signals can be weaker.
The move unsettled telecom companies, whose shares fell in the US and Europe after the deal became public.
Starlink already provides satellite broadband in more than 160 countries, but providing phone service directly from space brings different technical and infrastructure challenges.
SpaceX says it aims to start mobile phone service in the US in 2028, and the FCC has approved plans for up to 15,000 additional satellites.
The company has not set out whether or how it will build the ground facilities needed to support service beyond the US.
SpaceX has acquired US spectrum licenses from Grain Management, a move that could let Starlink offer mobile phone service to conventional handsets.
El País says the licenses cover the 800 MHz band and the deal is worth about $8 billion, while Emerce describes a spectrum block without specifying its band or price.
The FCC recently approved SpaceX’s plan to launch up to 15,000 second-generation satellites.
SpaceX’s CFO said the company is aiming to start mobile phone service in the US in 2028.
Shares in major telecom companies fell after the deal was announced.
- Who
- SpaceX and its Starlink satellite connectivity division.
- What
- SpaceX acquired US spectrum licenses from Grain Management to support a planned mobile phone service.
- When
- The deal was announced shortly before the articles were published on October 10 and 12, 2026.
- Where
- The United States.
- Why
- The spectrum is intended to help Starlink provide mobile service to conventional phones, including by improving coverage indoors.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
SpaceX acquired wireless spectrum licenses from EchoStar for $17 billion, according to El País.
SpaceX raised $86 billion in its public offering, according to El País.
The FCC approved SpaceX’s plan to launch up to 15,000 second-generation satellites.
SpaceX agreed to acquire spectrum licenses from Grain Management.
- Seller
- Grain Management
- Reported spectrum band
- 800 MHz, according to El País
- Reported deal value
- About $8 billion, according to El País
- FCC approval
- Plan for up to 15,000 second-generation satellites
- Target US launch
- 2028, according to SpaceX CFO Bret Johnsen
Sources
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