Musk tries to make Apple and mobile carriers regret choosing Starlink rivals
10 hours ago
- #SpaceX
- #Spectrum
- #Starlink
- SpaceX acquires EchoStar's spectrum licenses for $17 billion to enhance Starlink satellite services for smartphones.
- The deal may prompt AT&T, Verizon, and Apple to reconsider partnerships with Starlink competitors like AST SpaceMobile and Globalstar.
- SpaceX plans to use the acquired spectrum (50 MHz in 1.9 and lower 2 GHz bands) to provide phone, text, and broadband services globally, especially in underserved areas.
- EchoStar was pressured by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to sell its unused spectrum, following SpaceX's allegations of underutilization.
- The FCC, under Carr, is likely to approve SpaceX's new satellite network, amid claims of regulatory bias against Musk's companies.