SpaceX Targets Access to at Least 80,000 U.S. Cell Sites

SpaceX is targeting access to at least 80,000 U.S. cell sites as it works to add ground infrastructure to a mobile service built around Starlink and low-band spectrum.

The 80,000 figure is a minimum target, not a count of sites secured through a deal. Crown Castle is among the companies involved in discussions with SpaceX.

The effort follows SpaceX’s agreement to acquire nationwide low-band spectrum licenses for use alongside Starlink as the company pursues mobile communications. Crown Castle owns, operates and leases roughly 40,000 cell towers across the United States, renting antenna space and related facilities to wireless carriers through long-term leases.

Crown Castle shares rose as much as 10% in late trading Thursday, Oct. 22. Shares of AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile fell around 5% as the prospect of a new nationwide competitor emerged.