Updated Version 4 - SpaceX Targets U.S. Wireless Operators Through Spectrum Acquisition
路透社2026/10/08 22:36The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved Starlink Mobile Gen2's application to launch 15,000 satellites. Low-frequency radio waves can expand coverage and enhance signal penetration through walls and tree canopies, improving indoor reception. The share prices of T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T each fell by nearly 7% in after-hours trading. On October 8, Reuters reported that SpaceX reached an agreement on Thursday to acquire a nationwide portfolio of low-frequency spectrum, enabling Elon Musk's satellite company to directly challenge giant traditional wireless carriers across the United States from orbit. While Starlink Mobile’s existing global 2 GHz mid-band spectrum offers high bandwidth capacity, the new spectrum will allow signal penetration through obstacles. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Low-frequency bands are favored for their longer transmission ranges and ability to penetrate dense structures like walls and tree cover—addressing a major technical challenge previously faced by satellite-based mobile networks. By combining nationwide low-frequency radio coverage with high-frequency space transmission, SpaceX is positioning Starlink Mobile to entirely bypass traditional cell towers, challenging the wireless oligopoly both in wide-area coverage and indoor signal reliability. This deal also increases competitive pressure on traditional operators, shifting direct-to-device satellite technology from a supplementary feature for remote dead spots to a comprehensive commercial rival to terrestrial cellular networks. The share prices of T-Mobile US, Verizon, and AT&T each dropped nearly 7% in after-hours trading. “Incumbent wireless carriers have been publicly skeptical, arguing that SpaceX’s network quality could not match theirs,” said analysts at William Blair. “We expect SpaceX to launch very attractive bundled packages of Starlink broadband with Starlink Mobile, and the company may include Grok in these bundles.” The deal involves acquiring 100% of a nationwide 800 MHz spectrum portfolio from private equity firm Grain Management, pending regulatory approval from the FCC. Earlier this year, Grain had acquired this spectrum from T-Mobile. Crucially, most existing, unmodified mobile phones already support the 800 MHz band, so consumers will not need to purchase special satellite phones. This week, the FCC also approved Starlink Mobile’s application for its second-generation satellite constellation, authorizing SpaceX to launch 15,000 satellites worldwide optimized for the 2 GHz band. This new satellite array will operate in very low Earth orbit, providing regular smartphones with higher bandwidth and low-latency connections.
Update stock price data and add analyst comments in paragraphs 6 to 8.
Reuters, October 8 - SpaceX SPCX.O reached an agreement on Thursday to acquire a portfolio of nationwide low-band spectrum, enabling Elon Musk’s satellite company to directly challenge traditional wireless giants across the United States from orbit.
Although Starlink Mobile’s existing global 2 GHz mid-band spectrum will provide high bandwidth capacity, the new spectrum will allow its signals to penetrate obstacles. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Low-frequency bands are highly valued due to their longer transmission distances and ability to pass through dense structures such as walls and tree cover, addressing a significant technological hurdle previously faced by satellite-based mobile networks.
By combining nationwide low-band radio frequencies with high-frequency space transmission capabilities, SpaceX is positioning Starlink Mobile to completely bypass traditional base stations, challenging the wireless oligopoly in both wide-area coverage and indoor signal reliability.
The deal also increases competitive pressure on traditional carriers, transforming satellite-to-device technology from an auxiliary safety feature in remote dead zones to a comprehensive commercial competitor that could replace terrestrial cellular networks.
T-Mobile US TMUS.O, Verizon VZ.N and AT&T T.N shares all fell nearly 7% in after-hours trading.
"Incumbent wireless carriers have publicly expressed skepticism, believing that SpaceX’s network cannot match the quality of their own," said a William Blair analyst.
"We expect SpaceX to launch an extremely attractive ‘Starlink’ broadband and ‘Starlink Mobile’ bundled package. The company may also include Grok in this bundle."
The transaction involves the acquisition of 100% ownership of a nationwide 800 MHz spectrum portfolio held by private equity firm Grain Management and still requires FCC regulatory approval. Grain acquired these airwaves from T-Mobile earlier this year.
The key point is that most existing, unmodified mobile phones already support the 800 MHz band, so consumers won’t need dedicated satellite phones.
This week, the United States Federal Communications Commission also approved Starlink Mobile’s application for its second-generation satellite constellation, authorizing SpaceX to launch 15,000 satellites worldwide optimized for the 2 GHz band.
This new constellation will operate in very low Earth orbit, delivering broader bandwidth and low-latency connections to regular mobile phones.
(To facilitate non-English speakers, Reuters automatically translates its reports into several other languages. Due to possible errors or lack of required context in the automated translation, Reuters does not guarantee the accuracy of these translations and provides them solely for reader convenience. Reuters assumes no responsibility for any harm or losses resulting from use of the automated translation function.)
Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.
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