Starlink's new venture: Purchasing lightweight mobile phones using radio frequencies

SpaceX's Multi-Billion-Dollar Acquisition of Frequency Rights to Expand Starlink's Global Services

Elon Musk's SpaceX has announced a significant move in the satellite internet industry. On September 8, 2025, SpaceX unveiled plans to acquire EchoStar's AWS-4 and H-Block radio frequency licenses for a staggering $17 billion. This acquisition is aimed at expanding Starlink's global satellite-based Direct-to-Cell mobile services.

The operating company behind Starlink, SpaceX, will be buying the frequencies from the satellite company EchoStar. This deal, announced by SpaceX, is expected to make it easier for Starlink to provide internet services directly to smartphones, bypassing the need for traditional mobile network providers.

Interestingly, the sale of frequency rights by EchoStar to telecommunications giant AT&T for $25 billion does not impact Starlink's plans to operate independently. The frequencies sold to AT&T were not being actively used, and the sale does not involve the radio frequencies that will enable Starlink to reach smartphones with their signal without additional ground equipment.

Starlink, Musk's satellite internet service, has been launching satellites into space since last year. Despite the need for frequency rights, Starlink has been working with traditional mobile network providers due to a lack of available frequencies. However, with this acquisition, Starlink will be able to operate independently, providing a more direct and potentially faster service to its users.

The acquisition of these frequencies will not affect Starlink's ability to bring internet from space directly to smartphones. The satellites launched by Starlink are technically capable of reaching smartphones with their signal without additional ground equipment.

It's worth noting that Echostar was under investigation by the US telecommunications regulator FCC due to complaints from SpaceX about inactive satellite and mobile frequencies. This acquisition by SpaceX marks a resolution to that issue, paving the way for Starlink's continued growth and expansion in the satellite internet industry.

This multi-billion-dollar deal is set to revolutionise the way we access the internet, bringing us one step closer to a world where internet from space becomes a reality for millions of users.

Starlink's new venture: Purchasing lightweight mobile phones using radio frequencies