What happened
SpaceX has signed a multi-year agreement with Qualcomm to supply technology for the ground network behind Starlink Mobile, its planned nationwide cellular service in the US, The Verge reported. The arrangement covers deploying Qualcomm's Dragonwing products at tens of thousands of US 5G sites, and the first installations are expected in 2027.
The specific product is Dragonwing Cellular Infrastructure, a combined hardware and software platform that Qualcomm designed to extend network reach, add capacity and make operations more efficient. SpaceX intends to pair these terrestrial sites with its fleet of satellites that connect directly to mobile phones.
Durga Malladi, a Qualcomm executive vice president who oversees technology planning, edge solutions and data center work, said the two companies are developing leading cellular infrastructure in the US and pushing 5G forward. He added that the partnership could also set the groundwork for 6G over the next several years.
Context
SpaceX, which is owned by Elon Musk, wants Starlink Mobile to become a major US carrier. The company has already acquired a large amount of spectrum, and recent reports indicated it was considering buying Boost Mobile. The Qualcomm partnership adds ground equipment to those earlier moves, complementing the direct-to-cell satellite constellation SpaceX already operates.
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