By Atoyebi Nike
Elon Musk’s SpaceX has purchased $17 billion worth of spectrum licenses from U.S. operator EchoStar, in a move aimed at strengthening its Starlink satellite network, both companies confirmed on Monday.
The agreement will allow EchoStar’s Boost Mobile subscribers to directly connect to SpaceX’s Starlink direct-to-cell service, eliminating the need for specialized terminals.
SpaceX launched its first direct-to-cell satellites in early 2024. The service now extends beyond text and emergency alerts to include applications, social media, and messaging platforms in remote regions, according to the company.
To deliver these services, SpaceX has partnered with ten operators across North and South America, Australia, Japan, Switzerland, and Ukraine. The company emphasizes that over 50% of the world’s land mass remains outside terrestrial mobile coverage, underscoring the need for satellite-driven connectivity.
