TMUS · News · 20261104N

Starlink Competitive Threat

T-Mobile US, Inc. · 2026-11-04 · Importance 34 · Surprise 42

SpaceX selected Qualcomm’s Dragonwing Cellular Infrastructure platforms for Starlink Mobile’s planned nationwide terrestrial 5G network, positioning it to compete with T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon. SpaceX also announced an agreement last month to purchase 800 MHz spectrum licenses. T-Mobile already has a commercial satellite relationship with Starlink and had begun testing its direct-to-cell service, giving it time to adapt its customer proposition as the network develops.

Key facts

• T-Mobile US had begun testing Starlink direct-to-cell service, while AT&T and Verizon opposed higher-power Starlink direct-to-cell operations. source
• T-Mobile US has a commercial satellite relationship with Starlink. source