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SpaceX is working with Qualcomm to build its Starlink Mobile 5G network

SpaceNovember 4, 20261 min read

SpaceX is teaming up with Qualcomm to build out its own nationwide mobile network. The plan ties SpaceX's satellites to 5G cell sites on the ground.

What happened

SpaceX and Qualcomm have signed a multi-year deal. SpaceX will use Qualcomm's Dragonwing technology in "tens of thousands" of 5G cell sites across the United States. The first ones are planned for 2027. The work is part of SpaceX's push to make Starlink Mobile a major mobile carrier, competing with T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon.

Key facts

Deal length: multi-year
Number of 5G cell sites: "tens of thousands" across the US
First deployments: set for 2027
SpaceX has already bought a large amount of spectrum (radio airwaves used for phone signals)

Some background

Starlink is SpaceX's satellite internet service. SpaceX also has direct-to-cell satellites, which can connect straight to regular phones. Qualcomm's Dragonwing Cellular Infrastructure is a mix of hardware and software that helps improve network coverage, capacity, and efficiency. Recent reports also said SpaceX was looking into buying Boost Mobile, a phone company.

Why it matters

If SpaceX succeeds, it could become a new phone company that competes with the biggest carriers in the US. Combining ground cell sites with satellites could help phones get signal in more places. Qualcomm's executive said the work could also help lay the foundation for 6G, the next generation after 5G.

What to watch

Whether SpaceX goes ahead with buying Boost Mobile
How quickly the first cell sites go live in 2027
How well the satellite and cell site parts work together
How the big carriers respond

Glossary

Starlink Mobile: SpaceX's plan to run a phone service that works with its satellites.
Qualcomm: A chip company that makes parts and technology for phones and networks.
Dragonwing: Qualcomm's name for its cell network hardware and software.
5G: The fifth generation of mobile phone networks, known for faster speeds.

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