Starlink Aims to Become a Major U.S. Mobile Carrier, Executives Say
Starlink has bought a large 800 MHz spectrum portfolio and won FCC approval for 15,000 satellites. It wants to compete with AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.
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what happened
According to Market Talk, SpaceX COO Gwynne Shotwell said Starlink is doubling down on its goal of becoming a “major mobile carrier in the U.S.” that can compete with AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. The company recently bought a large portfolio of 800 MHz spectrum, and the FCC approved its plan to launch 15,000 satellites optimized for global 2 GHz spectrum.
On a Tuesday earnings call, CEO Elon Musk said the company will build out its terrestrial networks, “so there’s broad-based connectivity anywhere that SpaceX and Starlink are allowed to operate.” He also expects Starlink’s total bandwidth to rise roughly one-hundredfold within the next three years.
why it matters
For markets, this signals that satellite internet is moving into the mobile segment, where large U.S. carriers dominate today. Shares of AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile could react to added competition, though the report gives no direct financial figures.
market impact
US telecom: rising competition from Starlink creates possible pressure on AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile
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instruments
sources
- Starlink Doubles Down on U.S. Mobile Ambitions — Market Talk, 20 October 2026 at 22:17 UTC
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