Brief
SpaceX secures mid‑band spectrum from T‑Mobile to challenge US carriers
The deal lets SpaceX expand Starlink Mobile and target AT&T, T‑Mobile and Verizon customers.
By Felo News Desk · Published
SpaceX announced on Tuesday that it has leased 10 MHz of nationwide mid‑band spectrum from T‑Mobile as part of a broader spectrum purchase plan aimed at competing with AT&T, T‑Mobile and Verizon in the United States.
The company filed a request with the FCC to approve a low‑band acquisition, describing a deployment that will use radios feeding sectorized antennas on towers, rooftops and other structures. SpaceX says the 800 MHz band offers long‑range coverage, strong performance against terrain and superior building penetration.
Elon Musk previously said Starlink would rely on many small base stations rather than large cellular towers, and that rooftop antennas could extend connectivity to cellphones. SpaceX has already launched 650 Direct‑to‑Device satellites and plans to add up to 15,000 next‑generation satellites, which the FCC approved earlier this week.
Key facts
- SpaceX leased 10 MHz of nationwide mid‑band spectrum from T‑Mobile. (arstechnica.com)
- SpaceX filed with the FCC to approve a low‑band spectrum purchase. (arstechnica.com)
- The company has launched 650 Direct‑to‑Device satellites and seeks approval for 15,000 next‑gen satellites. (arstechnica.com)
Sources
- [1] arstechnica.com — originally reported as “Starlink spectrum deal boosts Musk plan to beat AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon”
