SpaceX pursues 80,000 cell sites to make Starlink a mobile carrier

SpaceX is reportedly pursuing access to at least 80,000 cell sites across the United States, according to Fox News. The effort aims to convert the company's Starlink satellite business into a major wireless carrier that would directly compete with established mobile networks including Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. [1]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, SpaceX previously announced plans to transform Starlink into a major United States mobile carrier after acquiring nationwide low-band spectrum designed to help signals pass through walls. The company had also received approval to launch 15,000 low Earth orbit satellites for the mobile project. [13]

The potential expansion of SpaceX comes as chief executive Elon Musk faces scrutiny over political and international activities. The Guardian reported that Musk has spent 446 million dollars on the United States midterm elections supporting Republicans, making him the largest single-cycle political donor in modern United States history. Author Walter Isaacson told CNBC that Musk views the election as a crusade. [2][3]

The New York Times reported that Musk warned of a threat to democracy if Democrats win the midterms. Meanwhile, Truthout and The New Republic reported on accusations that Starlink sought higher payments for satellite internet services in Ukraine after service disruptions. [6][8][10]