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What you need to know
- Qualcomm announced that it’s inked a deal with SpaceX to begin creating a 5G Starlink mobile network, with plans to debut in 2027.
- Qualcomm states it views this deal as a chance to build “world-leading cellular infrastructure” in the U.S. to advance 5G with SpaceX.
- It’s worth remembering that, a week ago, T-Mobile reportedly denied becoming wireless partners with SpaceX’s Starlink network.
Qualcomm announced major next steps in a partnership with SpaceX for a mobile network that’s eyeing a 2027 debut in the U.S.
In its press release, Qualcomm states it will help SpaceX build a “high-capacity 5G” network that’s “built for scale.” To achieve this, Starlink Mobile will reportedly utilize Massive MIMO radio units. Qualcomm explains this technology will bring “advanced antenna capabilities to its terrestrial network.” Without getting too technical, Qualcomm states this tech is necessary to improve Starlink’s mobile coverage and efficiency to handle its network traffic.
All of this will be done under Qualcomm’s Dragonwing Cellular Infrastructure platforms. The post states that SpaceX selected this particular branch of Qualcomm, seeking out its Dragonwing QRU100 and QDU100 platforms, as well as its Layer 1 software.
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Durga Malladi, EVP and GM at Qualcomm Technologies Inc., said, “Together with SpaceX, we are building world-leading cellular infrastructure in the United States, advancing 5G today, with an opportunity to lay the foundation for AI-native 6G in the years ahead.” The company briefly touched on this future 6G network, stating that partnering with SpaceX helps fuel that “broader vision.”
While there are still some unknowns about this deal, Qualcomm told Reuters that this “…is our biggest 5G deal yet.” Qualcomm has reportedly been interested in expanding its reach into mobile networks, as Reuters states it already assists with 5G networks overseas in Japan and Vietnam.
A week ago, T-Mobile said “no”
This announcement comes at an interesting time. It was a week ago that we had a different conversation about a similar topic. SpaceX reportedly approached T-Mobile with its 5G network ambitions, but was turned away. T-Mobile reportedly told the company that there was “no room” for an MVNO deal. The cellular network effectively drew the line at helping SpaceX develop its own 5G network, turning it into a “wireless partner.”
It was reported that “Such a deal would let SpaceX offer wireless services on top of T-Mobile’s existing cell network, paving an easier route into the U.S. mobile market for the satellite company.” However, CEO Srini Gopalan said T-Mobile evaluates partnerships based on distribution channels, the ability to open new addressable markets, and more.
In Gopalan’s eyes, SpaceX’s Starlink network wouldn’t have done that. We’re now on the flip side of this, where Qualcomm says the opposite.