GoKawiilSpaceX to buy 800 MHz low-band spectrum from Grain Management for Starlink Mobile
SpaceX agreed to purchase up to 14 megahertz of nationwide low-band spectrum in the 800 MHz range from Grain Management, which had acquired the licenses from T-Mobile as part of a Sprint merger condition. The deal adds to SpaceX's earlier $17 billion purchase of 65 MHz of mid-band spectrum from EchoStar, approved by the FCC in May 2026. SpaceX also recently won approval to launch 15,000 satellites for an upgraded Starlink Mobile service.
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The low-band spectrum could let Starlink Mobile's signal penetrate walls and reach devices indoors, filling a gap that space-based coverage alone cannot address, according to SpaceX. Combined with its mid-band holdings and satellite expansion, the acquisitions suggest SpaceX is assembling the pieces needed to compete directly with AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon as a full mobile carrier, though the deal may still draw opposition from smaller rural carriers before FCC approval.
- SpaceX is buying up to 14 MHz of 800 MHz spectrum from Grain Management, covering nearly all of the US population.
- The purchase follows SpaceX's $17 billion EchoStar mid-band spectrum deal and approval to launch 15,000 new satellites.
- Small and rural carriers could challenge the deal before the FCC finalizes approval.
Starlink Mini Satellite Kit — If you're following SpaceX's push to build out Starlink's mobile and connectivity ecosystem, the Starlink Mini is a great way to experience their satellite internet firsthand. It's compact and portable, making it ideal for travel, remote work, or backup connectivity as Starlink expands its network capabilities.”,
See Starlink Mini Satellite Kit on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: arstechnica.com, 2026-10-09
Published there as: “Starlink spectrum deal boosts Musk plan to beat AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon”
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