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SpaceX seeks access to 80,000 US cell sites for mobile carrier ambitions
SpaceX is in negotiations with major telecommunications infrastructure providers to secure access to at least 80,000 cell sites across the United States. These deals, which could be worth billions of dollars, are intended to support the company’s goal of becoming a fourth nationwide wireless carrier alongside AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
One of the companies involved in these discussions is Crown Castle, a major owner of cell towers. While Crown Castle’s CEO confirmed the company is in talks with “all parties,” specific details regarding SpaceX have not been officially confirmed. Other major tower owners include American Tower and Vertical Bridge.
To complement its terrestrial infrastructure, SpaceX is advancing its Starlink Mobile service. The company recently received FCC approval to launch 15,000 next-generation direct-to-cell satellites. Additionally, SpaceX is working to acquire a nationwide portfolio of up to 14 MHz of paired 800 MHz low-band spectrum, a transaction expected to close in the first half of 2027 pending regulatory approval.
However, the expansion faces opposition from established players. T-Mobile has filed with the FCC to block proposals that would grant SpaceX access to additional spectrum, arguing that satellite-to-phone services could cause signal interference and degrade existing 5G networks.
Entities
Crown Castle · Elon Musk · Federal Communications Commission · SpaceX · Starlink · T-Mobile US
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] SpaceX is acquiring up to 14 MHz of paired 800 MHz low-band spectrum. www.elnacional.cat · teslanorth.com · www.drweb.de · elceo.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] SpaceX aims to become a fourth nationwide wireless carrier in the US. brasilemfolhas.com.br · contilnetnoticias.com.br · teslanorth.com · www.drweb.de · elceo.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The spectrum acquisition deal is expected to close in the first half of 2027. teslanorth.com · www.drweb.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] T-Mobile opposes FCC proposals for SpaceX spectrum access due to 5G interference concerns. au.pcmag.com · uk.pcmag.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The FCC approved a constellation of 15,000 next-generation direct-to-cell satellites. www.elnacional.cat · teslanorth.com · elceo.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Crown Castle is one of the companies SpaceX is in talks with for tower access. brasilemfolhas.com.br · contilnetnoticias.com.br · teslanorth.com · www.drweb.de · elceo.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] SpaceX obtained FCC approval for 15 MHz of spectrum in the 1695-1710 MHz band. www.adslzone.net
- [● 5 SOURCES] SpaceX is negotiating for access to at least 80,000 cell sites in the US. brasilemfolhas.com.br · contilnetnoticias.com.br · teslanorth.com · www.drweb.de · elceo.com