SpaceX Reportedly Seeking 80,000 US Cell Sites to Launch Starlink Mobile Carrier

SpaceX is in private talks with major cellular infrastructure providers, including Crown Castle, to secure at least 80,000 cell sites across the US for a new wireless network, according to Bloomberg sources. Shares of legacy mobile providers AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile fell roughly 5% following the report out of competitive concerns, while Crown Castle stock jumped as much as 10% in late trading. The terrestrial expansion follows SpaceX's recent acquisition of low-band spectrum and its Federal Communications Commission approval to launch 15,000 satellites designed for direct-to-phone mobile service. The tower lease deals could eventually reach into the billions in value as the company attempts to build a fourth nationwide carrier from scratch. Research firm MoffettNathanson noted that dedicated tower sites are necessary to provide consistent network coverage where subscribers are concentrated, filling the physical density gaps left by SpaceX's existing satellite network and home internet equipment. "We will be building out our terrestrial networks so there’s broad-based connectivity anywhere that SpaceX and Starlink are allowed to operate." — Elon Musk