SpaceX targets major carrier status via new spectrum deal

SpaceX has secured a set of low-band spectrum licenses that the company says will enable Starlink Mobile to operate as a significant US carrier. The Federal Communications Commission must approve the transaction before SpaceX proceeds. Upon approval, the company plans to deploy an architecture merging its satellite-to-mobile constellation with a terrestrial network to compete with T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. The licenses provide up to 14 megahertz of paired spectrum in the 800 MHz band, which SpaceX asserts will help signals penetrate walls and buildings. The company previously acquired 2 GHz spectrum, though details of that earlier purchase are not specified.