SpaceX Spectrum Deals Send AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile Shares Plunging
SpaceX has acquired wireless spectrum through multiple deals, including $19.6 billion in licenses from EchoStar in late 2025, an additional $8 billion for 14 MHz of nationwide spectrum, and 800 MHz low-band spectrum from T-Mobile for $2.9 billion. The company signaled Starlink is set to become a "major mobile carrier," targeting direct-to-cell service. Shares of AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile fell sharply, with Verizon posting its worst trading day since 2002. Analysts and media treat the move as a direct competitive threat to established US wireless operators.
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