SpaceX buys spectrum to expand Starlink mobile coverage

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Elon Musk’s SpaceX targets wider US phone coverage

SpaceX has acquired up to 14MHz of paired spectrum in the 800MHz band across the United States as it moves to expand Starlink into a more comprehensive mobile service, according to technology publication GSMArena.

The spectrum was purchased from Grain Management and is expected to complement Starlink’s satellite network, helping SpaceX extend mobile connectivity beyond outdoor and remote locations to indoor environments.

Elon Musk said the acquisition represented “the last critical piece of the spectrum puzzle” needed for SpaceX to provide complete phone coverage across the US.

The deal remains subject to regulatory approval.

SpaceX plans to combine its satellite-to-mobile network with terrestrial infrastructure to deliver wider mobile coverage.

Under the proposed approach, Starlink satellites would provide connectivity in outdoor areas, particularly rural and underserved regions, while the newly acquired 800MHz spectrum would help improve indoor coverage.

The company also plans to use its existing global spectrum in the 2GHz mid-band range to support higher-speed, higher-capacity connectivity in the US.

Ground-based femtocells, which are small cellular base stations, are expected to form part of the planned 5G network. The use of the 800MHz band could also help the service reach existing smartphones that already support the frequency.

SpaceX said it intended to deploy a flexible network architecture combining its satellite constellation with terrestrial infrastructure to connect devices across different environments.

If implemented as planned, the service could put Starlink Mobile in more direct competition with established US mobile operators, including AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.

Satellite connectivity could be particularly valuable in rural areas and locations where conventional cellular networks have limited coverage.

SpaceX has received approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deploy 15,000 next-generation satellites for the service, according to the report.

However, the extent of the coverage and performance benefits will depend on the final network deployment, regulatory approvals and how the satellite and terrestrial systems operate together.

The newly acquired spectrum originated with T-Mobile, which sold it to Grain Management in August as part of a transaction involving the exchange of spectrum licences.

Under that deal, Grain Management exchanged its 600MHz spectrum licences with T-Mobile and paid $2.9 billion in cash.

SpaceX’s acquisition of the 800MHz spectrum is intended to strengthen the frequency resources available for its planned mobile network.

The latest move marks another step in SpaceX’s effort to combine satellite technology and conventional mobile infrastructure, although the proposed nationwide service still depends on regulatory clearance and further deployment.

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