business
SpaceX Signs Multiyear Deal with Qualcomm to Build Starlink Mobile Network
SpaceX signs multiyear deal with Qualcomm to help build Starlink Mobile cellular network.
Key points
- Qualcomm will supply its Dragonwing cellular infrastructure hardware and software for base stations.
- Financial terms of the multiyear deal were not disclosed.
- SpaceX plans to establish tens of thousands of new cell sites but has not announced cell tower partners.
Why it matters. The deal may help SpaceX challenge major U.S. mobile carriers Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile, since its satellite network alone cannot provide all the voice, video and data coverage competitors offer.
Qualcomm said on Wednesday it will help SpaceX build a terrestrial cellular network for Elon Musk's Starlink Mobile service, with rollout planned to begin next year. Its Dragonwing cellular infrastructure hardware and software will go into base stations, and executive vice president Durga Malladi said the network would complement Starlink's satellite capabilities. Starlink made up 36% of SpaceX's third-quarter revenue and 85% of its operating profit.
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SpaceX Signs Multiyear Deal with Qualcomm to Build Starlink Mobile Network
SpaceX announced a multiyear agreement with chipmaker Qualcomm to provide key network technology for Starlink Mobile, the cellular service Elon Musk's company is developing. Qualcomm said the terrestrial network it will help build will complement Starlink's satellite capabilities. The rollout is planned to begin next year. The service would challenge the established U.S. carriers Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.