SpaceX signs deal with Qualcomm to provide network technology for U.S. mobile service

SpaceX has signed a multiyear agreement with Qualcomm to supply cellular infrastructure technology for its Starlink Mobile service, according to CNBC. Qualcomm said the terrestrial network it will help build will complement Starlink's satellite capabilities, with a rollout planned to begin next year. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Starlink accounted for 36% of SpaceX's revenue in the third quarter and 85% of its operating profit, but the company has been limited in direct-to-device mobile services. To compete with major carriers, SpaceX recently agreed to purchase a nationwide spectrum portfolio in the 800 MHz band and is reportedly in talks to acquire EchoStar's Boost Mobile. SpaceX went public in June in the largest IPO on record and is now valued at close to $2 trillion.

SpaceX will use Qualcomm's Dragonwing hardware and software in base stations to enable high-capacity coverage and plans to establish tens of thousands of new cell sites. Qualcomm has targeted the 5G infrastructure market since 2020 and counts SpaceX among its highest-profile partners alongside Verizon, Dish, and Vodafone. SpaceX has not announced tower partners or specified how many new towers will be required.

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SpaceX signs deal with Qualcomm to provide network technology for U.S. mobile service — CNBC