SpaceX has purchased up to 14 MHz of low-band 800 MHz spectrum from Grain Management (originally T-Mobile's Sprint-acquired licenses) to support its planned Starlink Mobile terrestrial network. Combined with its previously approved $17 billion, 65 MHz mid-band spectrum purchase from EchoStar and FCC approval for 15,000 upgraded satellites, the deal fills a critical coverage gap in SpaceX's ambition to become a major US mobile carrier competing with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
Background
SpaceX has been expanding its Starlink satellite internet service into a full mobile carrier through a combination of satellite and terrestrial spectrum strategies. The FCC has been overseeing merger-related spectrum divestitures, including T-Mobile's obligation to sell certain Sprint-era licenses.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Oct 10, 2026 at 02:24 AM
- Score
- 8.0 / 10