SpaceX filing seeks 800 MHz spectrum for Starlink Mobile
TechnologyUnverifiedUpdated:
SpaceX reportedly applied for FCC approval to acquire nationwide 800 MHz licenses for Starlink Mobile. The low-band terrestrial layer is planned to complement satellite service, and the deal is not yet approved.
An application to acquire up to 14 MHz nationwide
According to the published account, SpaceX agreed to buy up to 14 MHz of 800 MHz spectrum from Grain Management and submitted an FCC filing seeking approval. The licenses cover approximately the entire US population and may be used for terrestrial service, satellite-to-mobile service, or both. SpaceX says the low-band spectrum is intended to improve signal penetration through obstacles and inside buildings.
The available account does not provide a like-for-like before-and-after measure of Starlink Mobile coverage or service availability.
The reported purchase would add up to 14 MHz of nationwide 800 MHz low-band spectrum to SpaceX's planned US mobile network, subject to FCC approval.
The reported deal would pair low-band terrestrial spectrum with SpaceX's planned Starlink Mobile service. It remains a proposed transaction requiring FCC approval; its terms were not disclosed, and the claimed service capabilities and timelines remain unverified.
Sources
- Ars TechnicaStarlink spectrum deal boosts Musk plan to beat AT&T, T-Mobile, and VerizonRead source →