SpaceX Strikes Deal to Acquire Nationwide Spectrum for Starlink Mobile

SpaceX has struck a deal to acquire nationwide low-band spectrum from Grain Management for Starlink Mobile, as the company works toward offering a combined satellite and ground-based mobile network in the U.S.

The agreement covers all of Grain's nationwide 800 MHz portfolio, which includes up to 14 megahertz of paired spectrum. The transaction still needs FCC approval and must meet other closing conditions.

In its announcement, SpaceX says the new airwaves would help signals reach devices inside buildings, where walls can block reception. The low-band spectrum would provide coverage, while its global 2 GHz mid-band spectrum would supply higher-bandwidth capacity. Most existing mobile devices already support the 800 MHz band, the company says.

The plan combines a satellite-to-mobile constellation with ground-based infrastructure, rather than relying on satellites alone. Pricing, a launch date, and a supported-device list for the expanded network were not included in the announcement.

The FCC separately approved a next-generation Starlink Mobile constellation this week, authorizing 15,000 satellites optimized for 2 GHz spectrum. The V2 satellites are expected to deliver more than 100 times the bandwidth of the current generation, according to SpaceX.

Grain acquired the 800 MHz portfolio from T-Mobile in August 2026 through an exchange involving cash and its 600 MHz spectrum. Financial terms of the new sale were not disclosed in the seller's announcement.

Starlink already powers T-Mobile's satellite texting service for compatible iPhones, which launched with access for customers on other U.S. carriers as well. That service is separate from the expanded network outlined today.

Amazon is also building out direct-to-device connectivity. Alongside its Globalstar acquisition agreement, the company reached a long-term deal with Apple to support satellite features on iPhone and Apple Watch.