SpaceX Aims to Leverage 80,000 Cell Sites for Mobile Network Expansion

SpaceX is gearing up to tap into at least 80,000 cell sites as it aims to take on major players like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. Reports indicate that the company is in discussions with Crown Castle Inc., a leading owner of cell towers in the U.S. This strategy would provide SpaceX access to about half of the 158,500 cell towers currently in operation across the country.

During a recent earnings call, Crown Castle’s CEO Chris Hillabrant hinted at ongoing talks with various parties, including SpaceX, but refrained from sharing specific details. The plan involves integrating a network of cell towers with SpaceX’s constellation of direct-to-cell satellites.

Earlier this month, SpaceX secured a portfolio of low-band spectrum licenses and received FCC approval to launch 15,000 upgraded V2 Starlink Mobile satellites. These developments are seen as crucial steps for Starlink Mobile to establish itself as a significant carrier in the U.S. market. Additionally, the company made headlines last year by acquiring 2GHz spectrum from EchoStar for $17 billion.