SpaceX Receives Approval to Acquire 65 MHz of Nationwide Spectrum from EchoStar

The company has received approval to acquire approximately 65 MHz of nationwide spectrum from EchoStar for its next-generation direct-to-device Starlink Mobile service. Officials said the deal gives the company exclusive-use, contiguous spectrum nationwide for direct-to-phone connectivity from orbit. The spectrum will support the service's ability to provide connectivity in remote areas.

Next-generation Starlink Mobile aims to deliver 5G speeds from space. The service is designed to enable high-speed connectivity even in locations without traditional terrestrial infrastructure. The acquisition follows the company's existing efforts to expand satellite-based communications.

Direct-to-device technology allows standard mobile phones to connect directly to satellites without specialized hardware. This spectrum deal provides dedicated resources that had previously been held by EchoStar. The transfer requires coordination between the companies to implement the spectrum usage for orbital communications.