SpaceX explores leasing 80,000 US cell sites for nationwide wireless network
SpaceX is in discussions to secure access to at least 80,000 cell tower sites across the United States as it prepares to enter the mobile phone market as a fourth nationwide carrier.
SpaceX is seeking access to a minimum of 80,000 cell sites across the United States as it works toward launching a nationwide wireless carrier, according to reporting by Bloomberg's Kelcee Griffis. The company has engaged in talks with major cellular infrastructure providers, including tower operator Crown Castle, exploring lease arrangements that could potentially be valued in the billions.[1][2][6][12]
The push to secure ground infrastructure follows SpaceX's recent acquisition of low-band wireless spectrum and prior Federal Communications Commission clearance for 15,000 satellites equipped for direct-to-cell connectivity. By coupling ground-based tower leases with its satellite constellation and newly acquired spectrum, SpaceX aims to build out Starlink Mobile to compete directly against existing telecom incumbents AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.[2][3][7][8]
The prospect of a well-capitalized fourth national carrier rattled telecom markets. Shares of AT&T and T-Mobile each fell approximately 6% following the report. Conversely, cell tower operators rallied on expectations of significant leasing revenue, with Crown Castle rising 12% and American Tower climbing 10% in premarket trading.[3][5][9][10][11]
Key facts
- SpaceX is in talks to secure access to at least 80,000 cell sites across the United States, according to Bloomberg.
- SpaceX is in discussions with major infrastructure owners including Crown Castle, with potential lease deals estimated to be worth billions.
- The effort aims to establish SpaceX as a fourth nationwide mobile network provider alongside AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
- SpaceX previously purchased low-band spectrum and holds FCC approval for 15,000 direct-to-phone satellites.
- AT&T and T-Mobile shares each dropped around 6% on the news.
- Tower company shares jumped in premarket trading, with Crown Castle up 12% and American Tower up 10%.
Sources · 10 sources
- TE
TechmemeArticle ·
Sources: SpaceX is in talks with at least one major cellular infrastructure firm to secure a minimum of 80K US cell sites, as it eyes a wireless carrier launch (Kelcee Griffis/Bloomberg) Kelcee Griffis / Bloomberg : Sources: SpaceX is in talks with at least one major cellular infrastructure firm to secure a minimum of 80K US cell sites, as it eyes a wireless carrier launch — SpaceX aims to secure a minimum of 80,000 cell sites across the US, and it's in talks with at least one major cellular infrastructure company …
Open source - EV
Evan@StockMKTNewzPost on X ·
SPACEX $SPCX WANTS AT LEAST 80,000 CELL TOWER SITES ACROSS THE US It's in talks with at least one major tower company to get there, including Crown Castle $CCI, per Bloomberg. The deals could be worth billions. The goal is to turn SpaceX into a 4th nationwide wireless carrier. It already bought low-band spectrum this month and has FCC approval for 15,000 satellites that connect directly to phones.
Open source - BA
Barron's@barronsonlinePost on X ·
Telecom stocks are tumbling on news that SpaceX is aiming to secure 80,000 cell sites across the US, raising the specter of fierce competition between the industry’s big three and Starlink Mobile. https://t.co/EpaaLq4zt7
Open source - RE
Reuters@ReutersPost on X ·
SpaceX seeks access to 80,000 US cell sites for wireless network, Bloomberg News reports https://t.co/zmOXA7OntF https://t.co/zmOXA7OntF
Open source - BA
Barron's@barronsonlinePost on X ·
SpaceX is working to secure access to cell towers just weeks after buying more wireless spectrum. It’s upending wireless stocks. https://t.co/oVKTiEpXRF
Open source - BL
Bloomberg@businessPost on X ·
SpaceX aims to secure a minimum of 80,000 cell sites across the US, and it’s in talks with at least one major cellular infrastructure company to reach that goal https://t.co/BrJFsopZYe
Open source - SB
Shay Boloor@StockSavvyShayPost on X ·
$SPCX is in talks to secure at least 80,000 U.S. cell sites as Elon Musk looks to turn Starlink Mobile into a 4th nationwide wireless carrier. Combined with its growing satellite network and recently acquired spectrum, those sites could give SpaceX the ground coverage needed to compete directly with $T, $VZ and $TMUS.
Open source - LD
Lark Davis@LarkDavisPost on X ·
SpaceX is looking to become the US’s 4th major phone carrier alongside AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. According to a Bloomberg report, SpaceX is in talks to lease space on at least 80,000 existing cell towers nationwide to make it happen. Satellites alone can’t cover dense cities and indoor service. By combining ground towers with Starlink and wireless spectrum, Elon Musk is building a direct competitor to the major mobile networks.
Open source - UW
unusual_whales@unusual_whalesPost on X ·
AT&T, $T, and T-Mobile, $TMUS, are both down about 6% today. SpaceX is reportedly seeking access to at least 80,000 US cell tower sites as it prepares to launch a nationwide wireless carrier, per Bloomberg. It’s the latest blow in a brutal month. On Oct. 9, after SpaceX agreed to buy a nationwide wireless spectrum portfolio, T-Mobile had its worst day since 2013 and AT&T its worst since 2000. T-Mobile is now down more than 25% this year. GEX heatmap for $TMUS shows a big positive gamma wall at $150, which can act like a magnet as dealers dampen moves.
Open source - BT
Bull Theory@BullTheoryioPost on X ·
BREAKING: Stocks of US cell tower companies jump in premarket today as SpaceX is in talks to lease 80,000+ towers for its own nationwide mobile carrier. • Crown Castle: +12% • American Tower: +10% https://t.co/v5zKmcRfW7
Open source - RE
Reuters@ReutersPost on X ·
US telecom operators wobble after report SpaceX in talks for cell sites https://t.co/2lCX96wmkL https://t.co/2lCX96wmkL
Open source - TV
The Verge@vergePost on X ·
The Elon Musk-owned company is in talks with one of the largest cell tower owners in the US, according to Bloomberg. https://t.co/8HhmvM7joF
Open source