SpaceX Acquires Spectrum Licenses for Starlink Mobile Network

SpaceX has secured a deal to acquire nationwide low-band spectrum licenses, paving the way for a terrestrial mobile network to complement its Starlink satellite internet service. The company plans to purchase up to 14 megahertz of spectrum in the 800 MHz band from investment firm Grain Management.

Grain Management had previously acquired these spectrum rights from T-Mobile earlier this year. T-Mobile originally obtained the spectrum when it merged with Sprint in 2020, but was required by the US government to divest the licenses as part of the merger conditions.

SpaceX stated that this key low-band spectrum addresses a critical remaining technical gap, enabling Starlink Mobile to become a significant mobile carrier in the United States. The company also recently received US regulatory approval to launch 15,000 satellites for an upgraded version of its mobile service, which it claims will be substantially more powerful than the current offering.

This strategic move by SpaceX aims to expand Starlink's reach into terrestrial mobile services, potentially offering connectivity in areas underserved by traditional networks. The acquisition positions SpaceX to compete more directly with established US telecommunications providers.