SpaceX says Starlink will "become a major mobile carrier in the U.S."
SpaceX said it has bought licenses for radio airwaves that will help its Starlink satellite business provide cellphone service across the U.S.
Elon Musk's SpaceX secured the necessary radio spectrum licenses from investment firm Grain Management, allowing its Starlink Mobile satellite business to offer cellular service inside buildings. This purchase is a crucial component for SpaceX to become a major U.S. mobile carrier, said Musk on social media. The spectrum, which needs FCC approval, will enable Starlink to merge satellite communications with an advanced terrestrial network, ensuring seamless connectivity everywhere.
SpaceX noted the FCC has already approved Starlink Mobile to launch 15,000 satellites in the 2 gigahertz band for direct mobile phone connections. UBS analyst John Hodulik believes obstacles to regulatory approval are unlikely, but acknowledges scaling SpaceX's wireless ambitions will take time, with limited immediate impact on the wireless industry.
The news sent telecom shares plummeting, with T-Mobile dropping 11% and AT&T declining 7.4%, while SpaceX's stock rose 1.6%.
Written by urgent.news from CBS News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 2 other outlets
- A Starlink Mobile está chegando – e as grandes telecoms sentiram braziljournal.com
- Explainer-What is the low-band spectrum that SpaceX acquired for Starlink Mobile channelnewsasia.com
