SpaceX Acquires Spectrum to Expand Starlink Mobile Service
On October 8, SpaceX agreed to purchase Grain Management's nationwide portfolio of 800 MHz spectrum for an estimated $8 billion. The acquisition aims to enhance the indoor coverage capabilities of its Starlink Mobile service by leveraging low-band signals that can penetrate walls and are supported by most existing phones. The deal requires approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which had already cleared SpaceX to launch 15,000 next-generation Starlink Mobile satellites. This purchase follows a larger $19.6 billion agreement with EchoStar for additional spectrum expected to close in late 2027. SpaceX's connectivity segment, primarily driven by Starlink, reported strong financial performance in Q2: revenue rose 66% year-over-year to $4.3 billion and operating income increased 79%. However, the company’s space and AI segments remain unprofitable.
Topics: FCC Approval SpaceX Starlink Mobile T-Mobile Wireless Spectrum