SpaceX Targets 80,000 Cell Towers in Bid to Compete with Top US Mobile Carriers

Image: SpaceX’s mobile carrier push reportedly involves tapping into 80,000 cell sites · Source

SpaceX is negotiating to use 80,000 US cell sites, about half the nation's total, aiming to combine these with its Starlink satellites for mobile network coverage rivaling Verizon and AT&T.

SpaceX is advancing ambitious plans to position itself as a major mobile network operator in the United States by tapping into an extensive network of cellular infrastructure. According to a Bloomberg report cited by The Verge, SpaceX is in discussions with Crown Castle Inc., one of the largest cell tower owners in the US, to utilize at least 80,000 cell sites. This would represent access to roughly half of the 158,500 cell towers currently active across the country.

The strategic move involves integrating terrestrial cell sites with SpaceX's growing constellation of direct-to-cell Starlink satellites. This hybrid approach aims to enhance network coverage and capacity by combining the strengths of traditional cellular infrastructure with satellite connectivity. Crown Castle's CEO, Chris Hillabrant, acknowledged ongoing talks with various parties, including SpaceX and other satellite service providers, without divulging specific customer details.

SpaceX has been accumulating crucial assets to support this mobile carrier initiative. Earlier in October 2026, the company acquired a portfolio of low-band spectrum licenses, enabling better mobile service penetration. Additionally, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorized SpaceX to deploy up to 15,000 upgraded V2 Starlink Mobile satellites, which the company has touted as groundwork for establishing Starlink Mobile as a significant US carrier.

The tech firm also completed a substantial $17 billion acquisition of 2GHz spectrum from EchoStar the previous year, bolstering its spectrum resources. These acquisitions and regulatory approvals underline SpaceX's commitment to challenging established mobile providers such as Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T by offering a competitive mobile service.

By combining leased cell towers and satellite technology, SpaceX aims to provide expansive, reliable mobile coverage potentially exceeding current market offerings. This initiative targets the conventional mobile network market with a next-generation approach, leveraging Starlink's satellite capabilities to supplement and enhance ground-based infrastructure.

While concrete service rollout timelines remain undisclosed, SpaceX's recent spectrum acquisitions and infrastructural partnerships indicate a strategic push to enter the mobile carrier market comprehensively. The evolution of Starlink Mobile and its integration with terrestrial cell sites could reshape competitive dynamics within the US mobile telecommunications landscape.