SpaceX plans to launch its own mobile phone network in the United States

SpaceX’s Chief Operating Officer Gwynne Shotwell said the company is evaluating entry into the U.S. mobile‑phone market. The firm could either build its own ground‑based network or operate as a mobile‑virtual‑network operator (MVNO) by partnering with an existing carrier such as Charter Communications. In either case, SpaceX would compete directly with incumbent providers Verizon, AT&T and T‑Mobile.

The plan relies on expanding the Starlink satellite constellation’s Direct‑to‑Cell capability and on a recent $19.6 billion acquisition of wireless spectrum from EchoStar, approved by the FCC in May 2026. The spectrum includes AWS‑4, H‑Block and AWS‑3 bands that can support both satellite and terrestrial services, allowing Starlink to reach ordinary smartphones without additional hardware. The move is aimed at generating new revenue streams for SpaceX, which currently earns fees from wholesale agreements with telecom operators for Starlink connectivity.

If successful, SpaceX would become a direct consumer‑facing mobile operator in the United States, adding a new competitive dynamic to the country’s telecom sector.