SpaceX is seeking spectrum licenses that would let Starlink compete directly with traditional mobile carriers in urban and dense areas, a move that would transform Starlink from a rural broadband alternative into a wireless competitor in the markets where AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile generate the bulk of their revenue.
The EchoStar play
The spectrum SpaceX has its eyes on comes from EchoStar, the satellite TV company that has been sitting on valuable mid-band wireless licenses. EchoStar’s AWS-4 and H-block spectrum licenses were originally intended for terrestrial mobile use, but the company never fully deployed them.
The FCC has been pressuring EchoStar to either put its spectrum to work or sell it to someone who will. AT&T already acquired part of EchoStar’s holdings. Starlink then moved to acquire EchoStar’s remaining AWS-4 and H-block mid-band spectrum licenses, completing the deal in September 2025 at approximately $17B to $19B, funded through a combination of cash and equity.
Why this matters for the wireless landscape
