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SpaceX CEO Elon Musk recently shared at the All-In Podcast Summit that his company has purchased $17 billion worth of spectrum from EchoStar. While this purchase will enable satellite-to-phone connectivity, it requires smartphone support. According to Musk, this support could arrive in two years, and building satellites to support new frequencies is another challenge.
SpaceX Won’t Put Other Carriers Out of Business With Starlink Spectrum Purchase, Says Musk
Musk began by discussing SpaceX’s mega Starlink purchase, which will allow the company to deliver connectivity from satellites to phones. However, he warned that “there are hardware changes needed in the phone,” as these frequencies are not currently supported in current smartphones. The chipset needs modification to add these frequencies.
Modifying the chipset is likely a two-year process, according to Musk. Consequently, it will take around two years before phones can use the acquired spectrum. Additionally, SpaceX must build satellites that communicate on those new frequencies, and they are simultaneously working with handset manufacturers to add these frequencies to smartphones. Once both the satellites and phones can communicate effectively, high-bandwidth connectivity should be achieved.
The $17 billion deal caused slight turbulence in the telecommunications sector, as it sent major carriers’ shares lower. Musk acknowledged that SpaceX could become a global carrier with Starlink but insisted that “we’re not going to put the other carriers out of business” because they still own a lot of spectrum.
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A comprehensive solution for high-bandwidth at home and direct-to-cell should be available, allowing users to have an account with Starlink that works with their Starlink antenna for WiFi as well as on their phone.
Musk’s Confidence in 2026 Launch of Third-Generation Starship
Regarding Starship, Musk remains confident it will be recovered in 2026. The upper stage has proven troublesome, completing just one successful flight out of four. After the next flight (Flight 11), SpaceX plans to launch the third-generation Starship booster and rocket.
Musk described the third-generation Starship as a “gigantic upgrade” with Raptor 3 and significant changes across the board. He called it a “radical redesign,” capable of over 100 tons to orbit, fully reusable. This could enable SpaceX to deliver over 100 tons to a useful orbit in 2026.
One of the biggest constraints with Starship is the heatshield. Musk noted that no one has ever made a fully reusable orbital heatshield before. For Starship’s heatshield, SpaceX must ensure it can withstand heat, remain lightweight, not transmit heat to the primary structure, and maintain tiles that don’t crack or dissolve in rain.
He emphasized the critical need for these tiles to work effectively without laborious inspections. All tens of thousands of tiles must function correctly and not require individual refurbishment or checking.
