Technology
SpaceX reportedly seeks 80,000 cell sites to build Starlink wireless carrier
Fox News reports SpaceX is pursuing cell sites, spectrum and satellite authority that could support a rival to major U.S. carriers.
The short version
- Fox News reports SpaceX is reportedly pursuing access to at least 80,000 U.S. cell sites.[Fox News]
- The reported goal is a Starlink carrier that could compete with Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile.[Fox News]
- SpaceX agreed to buy Grain Management's 800 MHz spectrum, pending FCC approval, and received authorization for up to 15,000 direct-to-device satellites.[Fox News]
- Crown Castle's CEO said the company can be assumed to be in talks with all parties, but SpaceX has announced no confirmed launch date.[Fox News]
Key facts
- SpaceX is reportedly pursuing access to at least 80,000 cell sites across the United States.[Fox News]
- On an Oct. 21 earnings call, Crown Castle CEO Chris Hillabrant said the company can be assumed to be talking to all parties about potential leasing, but declined to discuss specific customers.[Fox News]
- Grain Management announced an Oct. 8 agreement to sell its nationwide 800 MHz spectrum portfolio to SpaceX, subject to FCC approval.[Fox News]
- The FCC authorized SpaceX in October to deploy a new constellation of up to 15,000 direct-to-device satellites.[Fox News]
- Analysts at TD Cowen reportedly estimated that building a nationwide terrestrial network could cost more than $80 billion.[Fox News]
- SpaceX has not announced a confirmed launch date for a fully independent nationwide cellphone service, and expects to begin deploying next-generation Starlink Mobile satellites in 2027.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- The spectrum purchase from Grain Management has not closed and remains subject to FCC approval.[Fox News]
- It is unconfirmed whether SpaceX will secure cell site leases, because the Crown Castle CEO declined to name customers.[Fox News]
- The $80 billion network cost is an analyst estimate reported secondhand, not a confirmed figure.[Fox News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.