Jakarta, ThedailyID — Elon Musk’s SpaceX plans to build its own 5G mobile network in the United States through Starlink Mobile. The move could put the satellite internet company in direct competition with major telecom operators, including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
To support the project, SpaceX has signed a multi-year partnership with Qualcomm. The agreement covers the supply of radio equipment, baseband units, and software for the planned 5G infrastructure.
Qualcomm said the equipment will be deployed at tens of thousands of macro cell sites across the United States starting in 2027. However, the companies have not disclosed the financial terms of the agreement.
“This is our largest 5G deal to date,” Qualcomm said, as quoted by Reuters on Friday, November 6, 2026.
Through this initiative, SpaceX aims to become a major telecommunications provider by combining satellite connectivity with conventional ground-based mobile networks. The project also marks a significant expansion of Starlink beyond its established satellite internet business.
SpaceX has already started acquiring wireless spectrum and exploring agreements with telecommunications tower operators. These steps will support the development of its terrestrial mobile network.
However, competing with America’s largest mobile operators will require substantial investment. Building nationwide telecommunications infrastructure remains a major challenge for the company.
Qualcomm Technology Supports Network Expansion
Qualcomm said its equipment will support multiple frequency bands, allowing SpaceX to expand the network gradually. The initial development will focus on terrestrial 5G infrastructure.
The network architecture will also accommodate future connectivity technologies and intelligent network capabilities. This approach is intended to provide flexibility as telecommunications technology evolves.
Qualcomm’s radio equipment is designed to improve network coverage, capacity, and spectrum efficiency. Spectrum efficiency refers to a network’s ability to transmit more data using available frequency resources.
The company will also provide advanced beamforming technology. This system directs wireless signals more precisely toward users, helping SpaceX make more efficient use of its spectrum resources.
For Qualcomm, the agreement represents an opportunity to expand beyond its traditional smartphone chip business. The company is increasingly targeting the telecommunications infrastructure market.
Through this expansion, Qualcomm will compete with semiconductor companies such as Marvell, Broadcom, and Intel, which also supply chips and technologies for cellular network infrastructure.
The partnership marks another step in SpaceX’s broader effort to expand Starlink’s role in the telecommunications industry. Whether the company can challenge established mobile operators will depend on its ability to build and operate a reliable network at national scale.
