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Qualcomm signs major 5G infrastructure deal with SpaceX for Starlink Mobile network

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In short

Under the multi-year deal, Qualcomm will supply radio equipment, baseband units, and software across tens of thousands of U.S. macro cell sites starting in 2027. SpaceX is supporting this deployment by acquiring spectrum and exploring partnerships with cell tower operators to build out Starlink Mobile. The supplied radio units will feature advanced beamforming technology designed to steer signals directly toward users, boosting network capacity and spectral efficiency.

Key points

  • SpaceX plans to compete directly with legacy carriers AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile by pair…: SpaceX plans to compete directly with legacy carriers AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile by pairing terrestrial cell sites with satellite connectivity.
  • The partnership expands Qualcomm's presence in telecom infrastructure to compete against…: The partnership expands Qualcomm's presence in telecom infrastructure to compete against rival chipmakers like Broadcom, Intel, and Marvell.
  • The supplied baseband and radio hardware utilizes a flexible architecture built for phase…: The supplied baseband and radio hardware utilizes a flexible architecture built for phased rollouts and future connectivity developments.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Nov 4 : Qualcomm has signed a multi-year agreement with SpaceX to supply radio equipment, baseband units and software for Starlink Mobile's planned nationwide terrestrial 5G network, as the Elon Musk-led space company seeks to challenge established US wireless carriers.

The equipment will be deployed across tens of thousands of macro cell sites in the country starting in 2027, Qualcomm said on Wednesday. While the company did not disclose the financial terms of the agreement, it said "this is our biggest 5G deal yet."

The deal will expand the presence of Qualcomm, best known for the chips that power smartphones, in the telecom infrastructure market, where it will compete with Marvell, Broadcom and Intel by supplying chips used in cell tower gear.

Qualcomm, which has been seeking to diversify beyond mobile devices, already helps power 5G networks in Japan and Vietnam.

SpaceX aims to establish a major nationwide US wireless carrier, taking on incumbents AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile through a combination of satellite connectivity and terrestrial network.

Although questions remain about the feasibility of SpaceX's plans, given the substantial investment…

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