Qualcomm to supply Starlink Mobile with 5G gear for US network
Equipment will be installed at tens of thousands of US macro cell sites starting in 2027; the companies did not disclose the contract value.
Qualcomm said on November 4 that it has signed a multi-year contract to supply SpaceX's Starlink Mobile with radio equipment, baseband units and related software. The gear will be used to build a nationwide terrestrial 5G network in the United States.
Deployment is scheduled to begin in 2027 at tens of thousands of macro cell sites across the country. Qualcomm described the agreement as the largest 5G contract it has signed to date. The companies did not disclose its value.
According to aitimes.com, the equipment uses advanced beamforming and supports multiple frequency bands, which the company says will allow the network to be expanded gradually.
Qualcomm senior vice president Durga Malladi said the two companies are building world-class cellular infrastructure in the United States and laying the groundwork for AI-native 6G.
Satellite operator's move onto the ground
The contract follows SpaceX's push into terrestrial mobile. In October 2025 the company announced a deal to acquire nationwide 800MHz spectrum assets, and it is reportedly in talks to acquire EchoStar's Boost Mobile.
Qualcomm already supplies related technology for 5G networks in Japan and Vietnam. Component vendors Marvell, Broadcom and Intel also compete in infrastructure silicon for cellular networks.
Quick answers
When will Qualcomm's Starlink Mobile equipment be deployed?
Installation at tens of thousands of macro cell sites in the United States is scheduled to start in 2027.
How much is the Qualcomm-SpaceX contract worth?
The companies did not disclose the contract value. Qualcomm said it is the largest 5G deal it has signed to date.
What equipment is Qualcomm supplying?
Radio equipment, baseband units and related software, using advanced beamforming and supporting multiple frequency bands.