Elon Musk is set to create a seamless mobile satellite network that functions like a conventional cellular service, even in the most remote regions. SpaceX, owned by Musk, has finalized a $17 billion deal to acquire airwave licenses from EchoStar. This acquisition is a key step toward building a mobile network that combines the features of standard cell service with coverage in areas where traditional networks are often unreliable—ideal for hikers, campers, and travelers in remote locations.
The deal positions SpaceX as the first company to control satellite constellations, launch infrastructure, and direct-to-device connections. The company is adapting phone chipsets to communicate directly with Starlink satellites, eliminating the need for conventional cell towers. According to the Times of India, the announcement already affected major US telecom providers, with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon seeing stock dips following SpaceX’s $17 billion spectrum purchase.
The agreement includes 50 MHz of S-band spectrum in the US and global licenses, giving Starlink both the bandwidth and regulatory clearance to deliver services directly to mobile devices. If successful, the network could provide high-speed internet anywhere, supporting streaming, video calls, AR, VR, and cloud gaming—while compelling traditional telecom providers to rethink pricing and infrastructure.
Building on its existing position as the operator of the world’s largest satellite network, SpaceX plans to use the new licenses to expand its direct-to-cell constellation and offer more robust broadband services. With these licenses, Starlink’s direct-to-cell network will grow to 600 satellites, improving connectivity in areas currently without mobile coverage and further widening the gap between SpaceX and its competitors in the global coverage race.
