Updated version 3 - SpaceX aims at US wireless carriers through spectrum acquisition
路透社2026/10/08 21:21Reuters, October 8 – SpaceX (SPCX.O) reached an agreement on Thursday to acquire a nationwide portfolio of low-frequency spectrum, enabling Elon Musk’s satellite company to directly challenge traditional US wireless giants at the orbital level. While Starlink Mobile’s current global 2 GHz mid-band spectrum provides high bandwidth capacity, the new spectrum will allow its signals to penetrate obstacles. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Low-frequency bands are highly sought after for their longer transmission distance and ability to penetrate dense structures such as walls and tree cover, helping to solve a major technical obstacle previously faced by satellite-based mobile networks. By combining nationwide low-frequency radio waves with high-frequency space transmission capabilities, SpaceX is positioning Starlink Mobile as a service that can completely bypass traditional base stations and challenge the wireless oligopoly both in terms of broad coverage and reliable indoor signal. The deal intensifies competitive pressure on traditional carriers, transforming satellite direct-to-device technology from a supplementary safety feature for remote dead zones into a full-fledged commercial competitor capable of replacing terrestrial cellular networks. Shares of T-Mobile US (TMUS.O), Verizon (VZ.N), and AT&T (T.N) all fell more than 6.5% in after-hours trading. The transaction involves acquiring 100% of the nationwide 800 MHz spectrum portfolio held by private equity firm Grain Management, pending regulatory approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Grain acquired this spectrum earlier this year from T-Mobile. Crucially, most existing, unmodified mobile phones already support the 800 MHz band, so consumers do not need to purchase dedicated satellite phones. The FCC this week also approved Starlink Mobile’s application for its second-generation satellite constellation, authorizing SpaceX to launch 15,000 satellites worldwide optimized for the 2 GHz band. This new constellation will operate in very low Earth orbit, providing ordinary phones with broader bandwidth and low-latency connections. (For the convenience of non-native English speakers, Reuters automatically translates its reports into several other languages. Automated translations may contain inaccuracies or lack necessary context; Reuters does not guarantee the accuracy of automated translation and provides it solely as a convenience for readers. Reuters is not liable for any damage or loss resulting from the use of automated translation.)
The full text supplements details and background information
Reuters, October 8 - SpaceX SPCX.O reached an agreement on Thursday to acquire a nationwide portfolio of low-band spectrum, allowing Elon Musk’s satellite company to directly challenge traditional U.S. wireless communications giants from orbit.
Although Starlink Mobile’s existing global 2 GHz mid-band spectrum will provide high bandwidth capacity, this new batch of spectrum will enable its signals to penetrate obstacles. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Low-band spectrum is highly favored because its signals travel farther and can penetrate dense structures such as walls and tree cover, addressing a significant technical obstacle previously facing satellite-based mobile networks.
By combining nationwide low-band radio waves with high-frequency space transmission capabilities, SpaceX is positioning Starlink Mobile to completely bypass traditional cell towers and challenge the wireless oligopoly in both wide coverage and reliable indoor signals.
This deal also increases competitive pressure on traditional carriers, transforming satellite direct-to-device technology from an auxiliary safety feature for remote dead zones into a full-scale commercial competitor to terrestrial cellular networks.
Shares of T-Mobile US (TMUS.O), Verizon (VZ.N) and AT&T (T.N) all fell more than 6.5% in after-hours trading.
The deal covers 100% of a nationwide 800 MHz spectrum portfolio owned by private equity firm Grain Management and is still subject to regulatory approval by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Grain acquired these spectrum assets earlier this year from T-Mobile.
The key point is that most existing, unmodified mobile phones already support the 800 MHz band, meaning consumers do not need to purchase dedicated satellite phones.
This week, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission also approved Starlink Mobile’s application for its second-generation satellite constellation, authorizing SpaceX to launch 15,000 satellites worldwide optimized for the 2 GHz band.
This new satellite fleet will operate in very low Earth orbit, providing regular phones with wider bandwidth and low-latency connectivity.
(To assist non-native English speakers, Reuters provides automated translation of its reports into several other languages. Reuters does not guarantee the accuracy of automated translation, which may contain errors or may not include required context. The automated translation is provided solely for the convenience of readers. Reuters does not accept any responsibility for any damage or loss caused by the use of automated translation.)
Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.
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