SpaceX has acquired a portfolio of low-frequency radio spectrum licenses to expand its Starlink Mobile service in the United States. Following approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the company plans to integrate these assets into a hybrid architecture that combines satellite and terrestrial networks to compete with major carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon.
The newly acquired licenses cover up to 14 MHz of paired spectrum in the 800 MHz band. SpaceX expects these low frequencies to improve signal penetration through walls and buildings, enhancing indoor connectivity. This acquisition complements the company's previous purchase of 2 GHz spectrum from EchoStar, which includes AWS-4, H-block, and MSS bands for direct-to-smartphone satellite communication.
In addition to spectrum acquisition, the FCC has authorized the deployment of 15,000 second-generation (V2) Starlink Mobile satellites. SpaceX claims these new satellites will offer over 100 times the capacity of the current generation. The company intends to create a unified network that provides coverage in buildings, outdoor areas, and regions currently lacking traditional cellular infrastructure.
