The SpaceX nearing the acquisition of a critical portion of the frequency spectrum needed for its missile, satellite and artificial intelligence company Elon Musk to evolve into «large mobile operator», clearing the way for direct confrontation with giants such as T-Mobile US, Verizon Communications and ATT.
The new spectrum, which SpaceX acquires from the investment company Grain Management, allows the company to provide mobile phone services to devices even within buildings through the network Starlink, with more than 10,000 satellites.
As soon as the transaction receives its approval US Federal Communications Commission (FCC)SpaceX will be able to combine satellite connection services with mobile phones with an terrestrial network, offering connectivity to devices almost everywhere.
The creation, however, of a national network corresponding to those of the largest telecommunications groups requires much more. SpaceX will need to launch additional satellites, further develop Starship and create ground infrastructure to complement its space network.
The process may need years and huge investments.
In his post on the X platform Thursday, Musk said the low frequency spectrum is «the last critical piece of the puzzle» required for SpaceX to offer full phone coverage in the US.
The announcement caused strong pressure on the shares of large telecommunications companies, with the AT&T to retreat up to 8%.
We announced an agreement to acquire a nationwide low-band spectrum license portfolio that will pass the way for @Starlink to become a major mobile carrier in the US.
With this new spectrum and our Gen2 conspiracy, Starlink Mobile can ensure Americans have access to high-speed mobile broadband no matter where they are → https://t.co/1Uaf48v5pm
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) October 8, 2026
Starlink already connects mobile phones
Its satellite internet service SpaceX provide data directly to mobile phones, offering coverage in areas where existing terrestrial networks do not have a signal.
The company, however, does not currently have its own terrestrial infrastructure To combine with her satellite network.
The creation and operation of a national telecommunications network requires billions of dollars in physical infrastructure, but also access to a limited range of frequencies under state regulation.
In order to accelerate growth, SpaceX could cooperate with one of the major telecommunications groups, using its existing terrestrial infrastructure. THE Musk had stated last year that it did not even rule out full acquisition of a telecommunications provider to strengthen Starlink Mobile's effort.
«The acquisition of spectrum is a doubling of their commitment, or threatened commitment, to move autonomously if no provider is found willing to cooperate with them», said a New Street Research analyst.
Starship's big bet
SpaceX's ambitions in the mobile sector are directly linked to the success of another crucial project: Starship.
The giant rocket is expected to form the basis for SpaceX's entire future strategy, carrying space from upgraded Starlink broadband satellites to the future artificial intelligence data centres in orbit.
The Starship will also undertake the launch of the much larger Starlink satellites specifically intended for smartphone connection.
The vehicle has been under development for almost a decade. In September, SpaceX first sent Starship into orbit, where it developed a series of upgraded Starlink satellites. However, during flight they were presented Engine problems, which leaves open the question of the impact they will have on the next missions.
In parallel with the communication on the acquisition of spectrum, SpaceX stressed that the FCC has approved the launch 15,000 new generation Starlink satellites for mobile telephone services.
The company argues that the largest satellites will be ready to launch with Starship from next year and offer over 100 times greater bandwidth in relation to the current generation.
The 800 MHz spectrum
SpaceX had already been found since August among companies interested in obtaining the Grain spectrum. At the time Musk had publicly denied a report, describing it as «untrue».
The price of the agreement not published by SpaceX or Grain.
Licences in the zone of 800 MHz became available after the spectrum exchange carried out by Grain with T-Mobile in August. The agreement, approved by the FCC, provided that Grain would seek investors to exploit the spectrum, which to date remained largely untapped.
Licences cover almost total US population and are considered particularly important for satellite providers who want to establish an earthly link for voice services.
Grain considers that satellite and ground services can coexist in the 800 MHz band, although to date this was used exclusively for terrestrial mobile services.
The President of SpaceX, Gwynne Shotwell, had described in August the company's plans to evolve into a mobile provider, confirming that SpaceX intends to develop the network’s terrestrial component as well.
Shotwell had also expressed the belief that Starlink Mobile can compete with the major telecommunications groups.
«I expect we'll be able to get enough of their clients because I think our service will be better», had stated, adding that she is highly optimistic about his course Starlink Mobile.
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