SpaceX to acquire spectrum in push to expand Starlink Mobile

SpaceX has agreed to acquire a nationwide portfolio of low-band wireless spectrum from investment firm Grain Management, moving Elon Musk's satellite company closer to expanding its Starlink service into the US mobile market.

SpaceX has agreed to acquire a nationwide portfolio of low-band wireless spectrum from investment firm Grain Management, moving Elon Musk’s satellite company closer to expanding its Starlink service into the US mobile market.

The deal covers spectrum licences in the 800-megahertz band, including up to 14 megahertz of paired spectrum, according to the companies. The transaction is subject to approval by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and other customary closing conditions.

The companies did not disclose the financial terms. The Wall Street Journal reported that SpaceX would pay about $8 billion in cash for the assets, citing people familiar with the matter.

The acquisition is intended to help Starlink Mobile provide connectivity through a combination of satellite and terrestrial networks. Low-band frequencies can travel over long distances and penetrate buildings more effectively than higher-frequency signals, potentially improving coverage in areas where satellite-to-phone connections face obstacles.

SpaceX has said its existing spectrum in the 2-gigahertz band will provide capacity for Starlink Mobile, while the newly acquired low-band spectrum would help signals reach devices inside buildings and through other obstacles.

The agreement follows SpaceX’s earlier spectrum deals with satellite communications company EchoStar as it seeks to expand beyond satellite broadband and compete more directly with established US wireless operators, including AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.

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The FCC has also authorised SpaceX to operate a second-generation Starlink satellite system with a total of up to 15,000 satellites, supporting the company’s broader plans to expand satellite connectivity and mobile services.

The Grain Management transaction remains subject to regulatory approval. Its completion would give SpaceX additional spectrum resources, but building a nationwide mobile service would also require the company to address technical, infrastructure and regulatory challenges.