# FCC Approves SpaceX Spectrum Deal for Starlink Mobile

> FCC lets SpaceX acquire more spectrum for Starlink Mobile without auction.
- Title: FCC Approves SpaceX Spectrum Deal for Starlink Mobile · PCMAG
- Summary: FCC lets SpaceX acquire more spectrum for Starlink Mobile without auction. FCC approved SpaceX to take over spectrum licenses from Tristar License Group for…
- Keywords: fcc, spacex, starlink mobile, spectrum, tristar license group, aws-3, technology, Approves, Deal, Starlink, Mobile, PCMAG
- Source: PCMAG — https://pcmag.com/news/fcc-lets-spacex-acquire-more-spectrum-for-starlink-mobile-without-an-auction
- Author: Michael Kan
- Published: 2026-10-22T15:55:50+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: fcc, spacex, starlink mobile, spectrum, tristar license group, aws-3, technology
## FCC approves SpaceX spectrum deal
FCC cleared SpaceX to take over three spectrum licenses from Mississippi-based Tristar License Group for Starlink Mobile service.

> The licenses at issue will help enable spacex to assemble a geographically contiguous footprint of aws-3 spectrum for 5g, direct-to-device, or a hybrid of both
## Spectrum covers 62 counties
Licenses cover 5MHz in the 1695 to 1700MHz bands for uplink only across 62 counties in eight states including Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Virginia.
## Tristar's original plan
Tristar originally planned to use the licenses with EchoStar's 5G network for terrestrial wireless service but EchoStar ended carrier ambitions last year.
## FCC waives tower requirements
FCC waived requirement to build cell towers for the spectrum, enabling SpaceX to use only orbiting satellites for Starlink Mobile.
## Starlink Mobile coverage plan
SpaceX wants to use cell towers, femtocells, and satellites for Starlink Mobile to cover remote areas and dense urban areas.
## Uplink benchmarks by 2029
FCC requires SpaceX to hit uplink benchmarks on the spectrum starting in November 2029 to keep it accountable.
## Key takeaway

FCC approved SpaceX to take over spectrum licenses from Tristar License Group for Starlink Mobile service without auction.