SpaceX Seeks 80,000 U.S. Cell Sites to Build Starlink Wireless Carrier
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Oct 31
SpaceX Seeks 80,000 U.S. Cell Sites to Build Starlink Wireless Carrier
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 31
Summary
SpaceX is reportedly negotiating for access to at least 80,000 U.S. cell sites as it pushes to turn Starlink into a nationwide wireless carrier competing with Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile.
80,000 sites would give Starlink the ground network satellites lack indoors and in obstructed areas, complementing direct-to-device service and possible small base stations at customer locations.
October moves show the plan advancing: SpaceX agreed to buy a nationwide 800 MHz spectrum portfolio from Grain Management and won FCC approval for up to 15,000 direct-to-device satellites.
More than $80 billion and years of buildout may still stand between SpaceX and a full national launch, with tower leases, equipment deployment and FCC approval for the spectrum deal still pending.
Wall Street has already reacted—wireless carrier shares fell after the tower talks surfaced—while consumers still have no standalone Starlink Mobile launch date, with next-generation satellite deployment expected in 2027.