SpaceX eyes 80,000 US cell sites, a boost for ASTS and suppliers, risk for carriers
SpaceX reportedly seeks tower capacity at up to 80,000 US cell sites. Roth, Scotiabank and Citi analysts weigh the impact on the wireless sector.
- published on Newsmetry
- original source published
the public page opens no earlier than 15 minutes after we detect the story. approved stories may reach the api sooner. connect the api →
what happened
Stocktwits, citing Roth Capital analyst Scott Searle, reports that SpaceX's reported interest in leasing tower capacity at up to 80,000 sites could benefit AST SpaceMobile, Ericsson, Nokia and several backhaul and spectrum providers. The report says SpaceX is in talks with at least one major cellular infrastructure company and also approached Crown Castle.
Scotiabank upgraded AST SpaceMobile to 'Outperform' from 'Sector Perform' and raised its price target to $55.70. Citi sees the news as positive for tower owners and negative for major carriers, estimating valuation risk of 29% to 32% for AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon. Separately, the largest US carriers, through their trade group CTIA, asked the FCC to keep two 5G spectrum bands out of draft satellite-to-phone rules.
why it matters
For markets, this signals a possible fourth national wireless carrier and a shift of gains among towers, equipment makers and incumbent operators. SPCX closed near $147.5, above its $135 IPO price but below its all-time highs near $226.
market impact
Telecom and satellite stocks: a new competitor may pressure US carriers and support equipment makers
tags
instruments
sources
- SpaceX’s 80,000 Cell Site Push A Win For ASTS, Ericsson, Nokia, NextNav, Among Others, Says Roth Capital — Stocktwits, 23 October 2026 at 23:33 UTC
prepared by the newsmetry newsroom with ai assistance from the sources listed below. not investment advice.
the public page opens no earlier than 15 minutes after we detect the story. approved stories may reach the api sooner.
get stories in real time ↗