SpaceX’s mobile carrier push reportedly involves tapping into 80,000 cell sites
SpaceX is planning to access at least 80,000 cell sites as part of efforts to compete directly with Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T, according to a report from Bloomberg. Sources tell the publication that SpaceX is in talks with Crown Castle Inc., one of the nation's largest cell tower owners. The move would give SpaceX access to half of the 158,500 cell towers currently operational in the US, according to Reuters. When…
Key points
- SpaceX plans to access at least 80,000 US cell sites as it seeks to compete with major carriers.
- The company is reportedly in talks with Crown Castle, one of the largest US cell tower owners.
- SpaceX recently acquired spectrum licenses and FCC approval for 15,000 upgraded Starlink Mobile satellites.
SpaceX is planning to access at least 80,000 cell sites as part of efforts to compete directly with Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T, according to a Bloomberg report. Sources told the publication that SpaceX is in talks with Crown Castle Inc., one of the largest cell tower owners in the US.
The move would give SpaceX access to half of the 158,500 cell towers currently operating in the US, according to Reuters.
Crown Castle responds to talks
Asked on an earnings call Wednesday about a possible partnership with SpaceX, Amazon or other satellite services, Crown Castle CEO Chris Hillabrant said, “I don’t think I want to get into customer-specific detail, but you can assume that we’re talking to all parties.”
I don’t think I want to get into customer-specific detail, but you can assume that we’re talking to all parties.
— Chris Hillabrant
Satellites and spectrum deals
SpaceX plans to pair a network of cell towers with its constellation of direct-to-cell satellites. Earlier this month, the company acquired a portfolio of low-band spectrum licenses and received FCC approval to deploy 15,000 upgraded V2 Starlink Mobile satellites.
SpaceX says these moves will “pave the way” for Starlink Mobile to become a “major” carrier in the US. The Elon Musk-owned company also acquired 2GHz spectrum from EchoStar for $17 billion last year.
