SpaceX buys spectrum to help Starlink compete with US cell carriers

SpaceX has reached an agreement to purchase a nationwide portfolio of low-band spectrum licenses from the investment firm Grain Management. This acquisition includes up to 14 megahertz of paired spectrum within the 800 MHz band, which was originally obtained from T-Mobile. The deal, which remains subject to approval from the Federal Communications Commission, aims to bolster Starlink Mobile's capabilities by combining this low-band frequency with the 2 GHz bandwidth provided by Starlink Gen2 satellites.

This strategic move positions Starlink Mobile to compete directly with established American mobile network operators. By utilizing these specific frequencies, the company can improve indoor signal penetration and reliability. To support this expansion, SpaceX plans to deploy terrestrial infrastructure, including standard wireless hardware like antennas mounted on rooftops and towers. This development could significantly shift the competitive landscape of the United States cellular market as the company integrates satellite and ground-based technologies.