SpaceX is reportedly preparing to enter the U.S. consumer wireless market under its own brand, a move that would see Starlink evolve from a satellite internet provider into a full-fledged mobile carrier competing directly with industry giants Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
According to a report from the Financial Times, SpaceX executives discussed the possibility of launching a retail Starlink mobile service during the company’s recent IPO roadshow, opening the door to a future where customers could purchase mobile phone plans directly from SpaceX instead of traditional carriers.
Until now, SpaceX has largely avoided becoming a consumer mobile provider, instead partnering with existing carriers, including Rogers in Canada, to extend their coverage using satellites.
In the U.S. the company has partnered with T-Mobile, where Starlink’s direct-to-cell technology provides additional coverage in remote areas that fall outside traditional cellular networks.
The groundwork for such a move may already be in place. As we have previously reported, SpaceX acquired wireless spectrum assets from EchoStar in deals reportedly worth nearly US$20 billion, including an approximately US$17 billion acquisition in September followed by another US$2.6 billion transaction two months later.
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