SpaceX is acquiring terrestrial spectrum licenses to directly compete with AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, rather than just partnering with them. CEO Gwynne Shotwell announced plans to build out terrestrial infrastructure alongside Starlink's satellite network, claiming the combined service will eliminate dead zones and perform better during natural disasters, with next-gen satellites launching next year and service beginning late next year.
Background
SpaceX has long partnered with traditional carriers to extend satellite coverage into cell dead zones, but this marks a strategic shift toward becoming a direct mobile carrier competitor. The U.S. wireless market is dominated by three major carriers generating roughly $600 billion annually in combined revenue.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Aug 6, 2026 at 03:38 AM
- Score
- 7.0 / 10