SpaceX acquires Grain Management spectrum portfolio for mobile carrier service

SpaceX announced a definitive agreement on October 8, 2026, to acquire the nationwide 800 MHz low-band spectrum portfolio from digital infrastructure investment firm Grain Management, SatNews reported. The purchase gives the company's Starlink Mobile division up to 14 MHz of paired terrestrial low-band airwaves across the United States. According to Quartz and Data Center Dynamics, the acquisition will allow SpaceX to build out standalone wireless carrier operations. [1][10][11]

The proprietary low-band spectrum ownership is intended to transition Starlink Mobile from a supplemental satellite-to-cell partner into a facilities-based wireless operator, SatNews reported. The expanded airwaves will allow the network to deliver indoor cellular coverage directly to unmodified consumer smartphones. [1]

Following the announcement of the spectrum purchase, traditional telecommunication shares dropped, AOL.ca reported. Stocktwits and 24/7 Wall St. both reported that shares of satellite competitor AST SpaceMobile slid after the deal closed off the low-band spectrum option. [4][5][7]

In a separate international expansion for the satellite service, Veon-owned operator Banglalink announced an agreement on Friday to bring Starlink Mobile to Bangladesh, Satellite Today reported. The move makes Bangladesh the first country in South Asia to introduce the service, which will provide connectivity through Banglalink's MyBL application. [3]