This acquisition will enable Starlink’s signal to penetrate walls, ensuring reliable indoor connectivity for customers.
SpaceX
SpaceX has announced its intention to evolve from a satellite internet provider into a major mobile carrier. As part of this strategy, the company has agreed to acquire the entire nationwide 800 MHz spectrum portfolio from Grain Management. According to SpaceX, this acquisition involves a low-band spectrum license portfolio of up to 14 megahertz of paired spectrum in the 800 MHz band, subject to FCC approval. The company states that securing low-band spectrum is crucial to overcoming key technical barriers in transforming Starlink into a comprehensive mobile carrier in the United States.
Previously, SpaceX acquired spectrum licenses from EchoStar, which included frequencies for commercial wireless services. However, this latest acquisition of low-band spectrum will enhance Starlink Mobile’s ability to penetrate walls and obstacles. Although established carriers utilize a broader range of bands, this move will enable SpaceX to provide a competitive alternative. Since most mobile devices are compatible with this band, SpaceX can potentially reach millions of customers without device compatibility issues.
SpaceX’s announcement highlights that with the new low-band spectrum and the Gen2 constellation, Starlink Mobile aims to be the first network operator to integrate satellite and terrestrial spectrum. This acquisition will facilitate reliable indoor service, complementing Starlink’s broadband capabilities that extend to remote locations.
The Federal Communications Commission has approved SpaceX’s plan to deploy 15,000 Starlink Mobile Gen2 satellites, optimized for the 2 GHz spectrum. SpaceX claims that these satellites will provide over 100 times the bandwidth of the current generation, enabling high-speed internet delivery to more global regions.
