SpaceX reportedly in talks with major cable TV company to launch its own mobile service.
SpaceX operates the Starlink satellite communications service and, in partnership with mobile carrier T-Mobile, offers a Direct to Cell service that allows smartphones to connect directly to satellites. Now, it has been revealed that SpaceX is considering expanding into consumer-oriented mobile services. According to the financial newspaper Bloomberg, executive-level discussions have been held with cable TV giant Charter Communications regarding the business development.
SpaceX, Charter Discussed Mobile Phone Partnership in US - Bloomberg
Elon Musk's SpaceX plans Starlink mobile push into US consumer market
https://www.ft.com/content/42af0f15-3aa9-49b7-b429-4a39540af03e
SpaceX, Charter discusses mobile phone partnership in US, Bloomberg News says | Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/spacex-charter-discussed-mobile-phone-partnership-us-bloomberg-news-reports-2026-06-26/
SpaceX plans bigger Starlink mobile push in US: report
https://www.fierce-network.com/wireless/spacex-plans-bigger-starlink-mobile-push-us-report
SpaceX Is Eyeing Its Own Mobile Network. Here's Why Canada Won't Be Easy. | iPhone in Canada
https://www.iphoneincanada.ca/2026/06/26/spacex-mobile-network-canada-wont-be-easy/
SpaceX began offering its satellite communication service, 'Starlink,' in the United States in 2020. Since then, it has expanded its service area to North America, Europe, Oceania, Asia, and other regions.
Initially, communication required going through Starlink's antennas, but in 2024, a satellite capable of direct communication with smartphones was launched, and in partnership with major US telecommunications carrier T-Mobile, a 'Direct to Cell' service is now available that allows users to access Starlink directly from their smartphones.
SpaceX releases first text message sent to a mobile phone via satellite internet using Starlink's 'Direct to Cell' - GIGAZINE
In Japan, au has been offering 'au Starlink Direct' since April 2025, a service that allows communication even outside of the service area as long as there is a clear view of the sky.
au Starlink Direct | Services & Features | au
Furthermore, NTT Docomo will also begin offering 'docomo Starlink Direct' from April 2026. SoftBank is also planning to offer the service.
According to reports from the Financial Times and Bloomberg, SpaceX is going even further, expressing its intention to launch its own mobile service. If this comes to fruition, it would put it in direct competition with Verizon, AT&T, and its partner T-Mobile.
It appears that discussions were held with Charter Communications regarding the use of Charter Communications' existing infrastructure in building the network.
SpaceX has qualified to bid on frequency licenses and has actually won bids for Cincinnati for $8.4 million (approximately 1.36 billion yen) and Gulf of America for $84,200 (approximately 13.6 million yen).
However, some argue that SpaceX's independent network construction would be prohibitively expensive, and that its limited frequency bands compared to Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile make this move merely a bargaining chip to improve its terms with business partners.
Furthermore, if SpaceX were to launch its own mobile service outside the United States, it would likely require obtaining separate licenses and other procedures distinct from those for Starlink, which is expected to be challenging.
When asked about this matter at the All-In Summit 2025 , Elon Musk indicated that other telecommunications companies will continue to exist because they own many frequency bands, and commented, 'Starlink will not drive other companies out of business.'
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