Starlink targets US mobile market, challenging AT&T and Verizon

SpaceX is preparing to move Starlink beyond satellite internet and into the U.S. mobile market, potentially putting it in direct competition with AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. Company executives said, including President and COO Gwynne Shotwell, that SpaceX plans to launch next-generation Starlink satellites in 2027 to substantially increase capacity for Starlink Mobile. The upgraded system is expected to use spectrum acquired from EchoStar, including about 65 MHz, and SpaceX also plans a terrestrial network component. Shotwell said small cell base stations could be deployed using equipment linked to Starlink broadband installations. Starlink currently works with T-Mobile via satellite-to-phone service.