SpaceX inks a major Qualcomm deal to build out its wireless network
SpaceX signed a multiyear deal with Qualcomm, the chip maker, to power ground stations for its Starlink Mobile service. The rollout begins next year across tens of thousands of U.S. sites.
SpaceX, the rocket and satellite company founded by Elon Musk, just signed a multiyear deal with Qualcomm, the chip maker, to power ground stations for its Starlink Mobile service. According to MarketWatch, the agreement covers tens of thousands of sites across the U.S. with the rollout beginning next year, though financial terms were not disclosed.
Qualcomm said its Dragonwing cellular infrastructure platforms will power the ground-based side of Starlink Mobile, which aims to compete with major carriers. The move adds to an unprecedented amount of planning by SpaceX to build its own U.S. wireless network using thousands of low-Earth orbit satellites.
SpaceX currently offers domestic Starlink Mobile services as an add-on with T-Mobile, but analysts note the company is seeking to accelerate its path to becoming a major wireless operator. Citi analysts have said purchasing an existing telecom operator could cut Starlink Mobile's time to market by as much as four years.
SpaceX plans to turn initial service on by early 2028, though industry leaders suggest a realistic timeline points to 2030 or later. Meanwhile, major U.S. telecommunications companies have directly ruled out working with the satellite provider on leasing network access. Qualcomm shares rose 1.3% on Wednesday following the announcement, bucking a broader downturn in the chip sector.
