SpaceX reportedly seeks access to 80,000 U.S. cell sites to build Starlink mobile network
SpaceX is negotiating access to at least 80,000 cell sites across the United States to expand its Starlink service into a nationwide cellphone carrier that could compete with Verizon, AT&T and T‑Mobile, Fox News reported.
Fox News said SpaceX has been in talks with major cellular infrastructure companies, including Crown Castle, which the report said owns and operates roughly 40,000 cell towers. During a Oct. 21 earnings call, Crown Castle CEO Chris Hillabrant was quoted saying, “You can assume that we’re talking to all parties,” though he declined to name customers.
The report noted that the Wireless Infrastructure Association counted about 158,500 purpose-built cell towers nationwide in 2025, and cautioned that cell sites and physical towers are not identical: a single tower can host equipment from multiple networks.
Fox News also reported that SpaceX has made spectrum and satellite moves supporting a mobile strategy. The outlet said Grain Management agreed Oct. 8 to sell a nationwide portfolio of 800 MHz spectrum to SpaceX, a deal the story said remains subject to Federal Communications Commission approval. The report added that the FCC in October authorized SpaceX to deploy a new constellation of up to 15,000 direct‑to‑device satellites.
According to the report, SpaceX’s leaders told investors during SpaceX’s October earnings call that the company expects to deploy next‑generation Starlink Mobile satellites beginning in 2027 and plans to expand terrestrial networks where permitted. The story said analysts at TD Cowen estimated a nationwide terrestrial buildout could cost more than $80 billion and take years.
Fox News reported market reactions after the story’s earlier reporting: shares of major wireless carriers fell on Oct. 23 while shares of cellular infrastructure companies rose, the outlet said. The report also noted SpaceX has existing arrangements that deliver satellite connectivity to phones, including work with T‑Mobile, but that SpaceX has not announced a confirmed launch date, pricing or completed agreements covering the 80,000 sites.
Source: Latest & Breaking News on Fox News
