SpaceX teams up with Qualcomm to build a Starlink Mobile 5G network, challenging the big three carriers

Qualcomm announced on November 4 a multi-year deal with SpaceX to supply Dragonwing cellular infrastructure technology for a Starlink Mobile terrestrial 5G network in the United States. SpaceX plans to deploy "tens of thousands" of 5G cell sites across the country starting in 2027, turning Starlink Mobile into a major U.S. carrier competing directly with AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.

Terrestrial network plus satellites

Under the deal, SpaceX will use Qualcomm's Dragonwing technology to boost network coverage, capacity and efficiency, paired with its satellite constellation. Elon Musk reposted the news on X the same day, saying Qualcomm's technology is "excellent." SpaceX has already bought a large number of spectrum licences, with the spectrum coming from its acquisition of Grain Management's low-band licences, a transaction still awaiting approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Boost Mobile purchase reported, unconfirmed

Other reports say SpaceX has been exploring a purchase of U.S. telecom company Boost Mobile, but that has not been confirmed. SpaceX's carrier ambitions reach beyond the U.S.: in Canada, Rogers has partnered with Starlink to power satellite-to-mobile services, and Prime Minister Mark Carney has said he wants to move away from Starlink, so a Starlink Mobile push could also matter for Canada's telecom industry.