SpaceX taps Qualcomm for Starlink Mobile’s U.S. 5G buildout
What's next: The multiyear deal supports a rollout starting next year as SpaceX expands beyond satellites into terrestrial mobile coverage.
SpaceX has struck a multiyear deal with Qualcomm to supply network technology for Starlink Mobile, the company’s planned U.S. wireless service aimed at competing with Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. Qualcomm’s Dragonwing hardware and software will be used in base stations for a terrestrial network meant to work alongside Starlink’s satellites, with rollout set to begin next year. Terms were not disclosed. The agreement marks a broader push by SpaceX into mobile service after its satellite system proved insufficient for full voice, video and data coverage on smartphones. The company recently agreed to buy a nationwide 800 MHz spectrum portfolio and is planning tens of thousands of new cell sites.