SpaceX makes a carrier play
SpaceX has acquired a portfolio of low-band spectrum licenses. According to the company, the move will pave the way for its Starlink Mobile service to become a "major" US carrier.
What changes?
SpaceX says that once the Federal Communications Commission approves the deal, it will deploy a new architecture that combines its satellite-to-mobile constellation with a terrestrial mobile network. That puts it in direct competition with T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon.
What the licenses provide
The licenses include up to 14 MHz of paired spectrum in the 800 MHz band. SpaceX says this band will let Starlink Mobile's signal penetrate through walls and buildings. The company had previously acquired 2GHz spectrum as well.
Why it matters
Combining satellite connectivity with a terrestrial network could open the door to serving phones directly in areas with weak coverage. The move could shift the balance of competition in the US mobile market.
