SpaceX agrees spectrum purchase for hybrid Starlink Mobile network

SpaceX has announced an agreement to acquire low-band spectrum licenses for a combined satellite and terrestrial Starlink Mobile network. The portfolio covers up to 14 MHz of paired spectrum in the 800 MHz band and requires final FCC approval.

The company announced the agreement on October 8, and 3DNews reported it on October 9. The licenses would support Starlink Mobile's ambition to become a major U.S. mobile carrier alongside T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon. An agreement does not mean the license transfer is complete.

SpaceX expects the low-band spectrum to improve signal penetration through walls and other structures. It plans to integrate the frequencies with spectrum previously acquired from EchoStar in the 2 GHz range, including AWS-4, H-block and MSS.

Separately, the FCC approved Starlink Mobile's V2 constellation application, authorizing 15,000 satellites. That satellite authorization is distinct from final approval for the spectrum transaction. SpaceX says the next-generation satellites will offer more than 100 times the capacity of the current generation.

After receiving approvals, the company plans to combine its satellite-to-mobile constellation with terrestrial infrastructure. Its stated aim is connectivity indoors, outdoors and beyond conventional cellular coverage. Those capabilities remain company plans rather than an already available service.