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Starlink Moves Directly Into U.S. Mobile Market, Plans 80,000 Ground Base Stations

Space2 min read

SpaceX wants to turn its Starlink satellite internet service into a major US mobile carrier. It is seeking about 80,000 ground cell sites so it can compete directly with AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.

What happened

According to Bloomberg and other foreign media, SpaceX is talking with tower companies to use about 80,000 cell sites across the United States. That is about the same size as the networks of the big US mobile carriers. SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell said in a recent earnings call that Starlink will grow into a major US mobile carrier. SpaceX wants to combine satellites with ground towers to compete head-on with the three largest carriers.

Key numbers and facts

  • About 80,000 ground cell sites are being sought in the US.
  • The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved up to 15,000 satellites for direct-to-device (D2D) service, which connects phones straight to satellites.
  • SpaceX also holds 14 MHz of 800 MHz band spectrum (radio airwaves used for signals).
  • Starlink Mobile will mainly use S-band spectrum it is getting from EchoStar. The 800 MHz band will help improve signal inside buildings.
  • Elon Musk expects demand for communications bandwidth to grow 1,000 times in the next 3 to 5 years, driven by AI and robots.

Other options and open questions

Besides building its own ground network, SpaceX may use the MVNO model, which means renting space on existing carriers' networks and reselling service under its own brand. It may also buy network assets. However, it is unclear how SpaceX will combine satellites with ground networks. It is also unclear whether its current spectrum is enough to compete with the three big carriers.

Why it matters

If SpaceX succeeds, phone users could get service from satellites and towers working together, even in places with weak coverage. It would also shake up a US mobile market led by a few big companies. Musk said that current telecom experts only see the pieces on the current chessboard. He said they do not understand that SpaceX is building new pieces that could change the game.

What to watch

  • Whether SpaceX signs deals with tower companies for the 80,000 sites.
  • How SpaceX combines satellites with ground networks.
  • Whether the company can win enough spectrum to challenge AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
  • Whether SpaceX reaches its goal of 100 times more bandwidth for Starlink within about three years.
  • Whether SpaceX reaches its long-term goal of about 100,000 satellites.

Glossary

SpaceX
A US space company that builds rockets and runs the Starlink satellite internet service.
MVNO
A mobile company that uses another carrier's network instead of building its own towers.
FCC
The US Federal Communications Commission, the government agency that regulates radio and communications in the US.

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