SpaceX Strikes $17B Deal For Starlink Direct-To-Phone

SpaceX Strikes $17B Deal For Starlink Direct-To-Phone

SpaceX has finalized a massive $17 billion agreement to acquire spectrum from EchoStar, a move set to accelerate the launch of its Starlink direct-to-phone service. By securing 50 MHz of AWS-4 and H-block spectrum, the company gains the wireless capacity needed to expand mobile satellite connectivity on a global scale. This spectrum purchase is a game-changer, enabling SpaceX to deliver broadband-speed internet directly to smartphones without depending heavily on traditional mobile network providers. Image Credits:YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP / Getty Images How The SpaceX Spectrum Deal Strengthens Starlink The deal is split evenly, with $8.5 billion in cash and $8.5 billion in SpaceX stock exchanged for the licenses. Part of the cash allocation—around $2 billion—will cover EchoStar’s outstanding debt obligations. More importantly, the acquisition empowers SpaceX to roll out “Direct to Cell” technology, making seamless communication possible in areas with little or no terrestrial coverage. With t…