SpaceX to Buy 800MHz Spectrum Portfolio From Grain Management
The up-to-14-megahertz nationwide portfolio would support Starlink Mobile, but the deal still needs FCC approval to close.
SpaceX said it has agreed to acquire a nationwide spectrum license portfolio from digital infrastructure firm Grain Management, a move aimed at expanding its Starlink business into the US mobile market. The portfolio covers up to 14 megahertz of paired spectrum in the 800MHz band, according to digitaltoday.co.kr.
The deal is not final: it requires approval from the FCC. SpaceX said the low-band spectrum fills a key technical gap for Starlink Mobile as it works toward becoming a major US mobile carrier.
Elon Musk commented on the agreement in a post on X, calling the deal "very large."
News of the agreement hit shares of the three big US carriers. AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile all fell sharply in after-hours trading following the announcement.
Quick answers
What spectrum is SpaceX acquiring from Grain Management?
A nationwide spectrum license portfolio covering up to 14 megahertz of paired spectrum in the 800MHz band.
Does the SpaceX-Grain Management deal need approval?
Yes. The deal requires FCC approval to be finalized.
How did AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile shares react?
Shares of all three carriers fell sharply in after-hours trading following the announcement.