SpaceX, the space venture led by Elon Musk, has struck a major deal that could change how people use mobile networks. The company has agreed to purchase wireless spectrum licences from US-based EchoStar for about $17 billion. This spectrum will be used to expand Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, into mobile connectivity, raising the possibility of a SpaceX-backed 5G network in the future.
The move has caught the attention of the telecom industry, which in the US is currently led by giants such as Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. With this purchase, Musk is positioning Starlink not just as a satellite broadband provider but also as a potential challenger in the mobile network space. Experts believe the biggest impact will be felt in rural and remote areas, where existing operators often provide limited coverage, The Washington Post reported.
Musk himself has hinted at the broader goal. Speaking on the “All-In” podcast, he said the outcome of the new spectrum deal would be that “you should be able to watch videos anywhere on your phone.”
As part of the agreement, customers of EchoStar’s Boost Mobile will also get access to Starlink’s direct-to-cell service. This is expected to extend connectivity to places where conventional networks cannot reach. EchoStar president Hamid Akhavan described the deal as one that would enable a “faster and more economical” rollout of satellite services for Boost subscribers.
Starlink had already tested a satellite texting service in partnership with T-Mobile, which was launched under the name “T-Satellite” for a monthly fee. With the new spectrum in hand, the company says it will soon upgrade its offerings to include data services this year and voice calling shortly after.
Besides ,Musk has not ruled out competing directly with leading mobile carriers. Asked on the “All-In” podcast whether he might even consider acquiring a major telecom company like Verizon, Musk replied that it was “not out of the question.”
For now, the focus remains on integrating Starlink’s satellites with mobile phones using the newly acquired spectrum. If successful, it could mean that in the coming years, users may not need to depend only on terrestrial towers but could also make calls and stream content directly through satellites.
