SpaceX expands Starlink satellite network with $17bn EchoStar deal

"SpaceX will buy wireless spectrum licences from EchoStar for its Starlink satellite network for about $17bn, a major deal crucial to expanding Starlink's nascent 5G connectivity business. The Elon Musk-owned aerospace company announced the purchase on Monday. list of 4 itemsend of list The companies also agreed to a deal that will enable EchoStar's Boost Mobile subscribers to access Starlink direct-to-cell service to extend satellite service to areas without service."

"The spectrum purchase allows SpaceX to start building and deploying upgraded, laser-connected satellites that the company said will expand the cell network's capacity by more than 100 times. Gwynne Shotwell, president and COO of SpaceX, said the deal will help the company end mobile dead zones around the world With exclusive spectrum, SpaceX will develop next-generation Starlink Direct to Cell satellites, which will have a step change in performance and enable us to enhance coverage for customers wherever they are in the world."

"The push comes amid fast-rising wireless usage. In 2024, Americans used a record 132 trillion megabytes of mobile data, up 35 percent over the prior all-time record, the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) said on Monday. SpaceX has launched more than 8,000 Starlink satellites since 2020, building a distributed network in low-Earth orbit which has seen demand from militaries, transportation firms and consumers in rural areas."

SpaceX will buy wireless spectrum licences from EchoStar for about $17bn to expand Starlink's emerging 5G direct-to-cell service. The agreement lets EchoStar's Boost Mobile subscribers access Starlink service to extend coverage in areas without terrestrial service. The spectrum enables SpaceX to build and deploy upgraded, laser-connected satellites to increase cell-network capacity by more than 100 times. Gwynne Shotwell said the deal will help end mobile dead zones worldwide. In 2024 Americans used a record 132 trillion megabytes of mobile data, up 35 percent and driving demand. SpaceX has launched over 8,000 Starlink satellites since 2020, including 600 for the direct-to-cell network. Deployment of larger satellites depends on the Starship rocket's development.

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