SpaceX wants to sell Starlink phone service directly to US consumers
SpaceX is considering a retail Starlink mobile service to compete with major US wireless carriers. President and COO Gwynne Shotwell indicated to IPO roadshow investors that the company is exploring both a retail offering and the development of terrestrial cellular infrastructure. This strategy would shift SpaceX from a wholesale partnership model to a vertically integrated retail provider.
What changed
New reports indicate SpaceX is discussing a consumer mobile business with Charter Communications and targeting direct retail sales.
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SpaceX Evaluates Direct-to-Consumer Mobile Service in US
confidence 85%SpaceX is considering a retail Starlink mobile service to compete with major US wireless carriers. President and COO Gwynne Shotwell indicated to IPO roadshow investors that the company is exploring both a retail offering and the development of terrestrial cellular infrastructure. This strategy would shift SpaceX from a wholesale partnership model to a vertically integrated retail provider.
What's confirmed:
- SpaceX is evaluating a direct-to-consumer mobile service in the United States.
- President and COO Gwynne Shotwell told IPO roadshow investors that SpaceX is considering a retail Starlink mobile offering and terrestrial cellular network infrastructure.
- The proposed service would compete with established US carriers including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
- SpaceX has held executive-level talks with Charter Communications regarding a consumer mobile business.
Still unconfirmed:
- A proposed $17 billion EchoStar spectrum deal would provide the foundation for the Starlink Mobile network.