GoKawiilSpaceX to buy $8B of 800 MHz spectrum from Grain Management for Starlink Mobile
SpaceX announced it has agreed to acquire Grain Management's nationwide 800 MHz low-band spectrum portfolio for roughly $8 billion, giving it up to 14 megahertz of paired airwaves. Elon Musk said the acquisition is the final piece needed for SpaceX to offer complete phone coverage across America, though the deal still requires FCC approval. Separately this week, the FCC authorized SpaceX to launch 15,000 additional satellites.
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Low-band spectrum can penetrate walls and foliage better than the high-frequency signals Starlink currently uses, which could let the company close indoor and rural coverage gaps that have limited satellite-to-phone service. If approved, this would position SpaceX to compete more directly with traditional cellular carriers rather than just supplementing their networks. The outcome depends on FCC review, which has no set timeline, so the scale and speed of any nationwide rollout remains uncertain.
- SpaceX is acquiring Grain Management's 800 MHz spectrum for about $8 billion.
- The low-band airwaves could help Starlink Mobile overcome indoor and obstructed-signal dead zones.
- FCC approval is still pending, alongside separate clearance for SpaceX to launch 15,000 satellites.
Starlink Mini Satellite Kit — If you're curious about SpaceX's growing connectivity ambitions, the Starlink Mini lets you experience satellite internet firsthand with a compact, portable dish you can set up almost anywhere. It's a great way to see the technology behind Musk's push toward complete coverage, whether at home, camping, or off-grid.
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: cnet.com — Alex Valdes, 2026-10-10
Published there as: “Elon Musk Eyes ‘Complete Phone Coverage in America’ as SpaceX Clears Hurdle”
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