# SpaceX and Qualcomm team up on mobile network

> SpaceX signs multiyear deal with Qualcomm to build terrestrial base stations for Starlink Mobile, its challenger to Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile.
- Title: SpaceX and Qualcomm team up on mobile network · CNBC
- Summary: SpaceX signs multiyear deal with Qualcomm to build terrestrial base stations for Starlink Mobile, its challenger to Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. SpaceX and…
- Keywords: spacex, qualcomm, starlink mobile, 5g infrastructure, mobile carriers, verizon, at&t, t-mobile, CNBC
- Source: CNBC — https://cnbc.com/2026/11/04/spacex-strikes-deal-with-qualcomm-for-mobile-network-infrastructure.html
- Author: Lora Kolodny
- Published: 2026-11-04T13:30:02+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: spacex, qualcomm, starlink mobile, 5g infrastructure, mobile carriers, verizon, at&t, t-mobile, business, finance
## SpaceX and Qualcomm strike multiyear deal
SpaceX announced a multiyear deal with chipmaker Qualcomm to provide network technology for Starlink Mobile, its challenger to Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. Financial terms were not disclosed.
## Qualcomm calls it largest 5G initiative
Qualcomm said the deal represents its largest five G initiative to date. The terrestrial network will complement Starlink's satellite capabilities, with rollout planned to begin next year.
## Starlink needs ground coverage for mobile
Starlink accounts for thirty six percent of SpaceX's revenue and eighty five percent of operating profit. But its satellite network cannot provide all voice, video and data coverage that competitors offer on smartphones.
## SpaceX building mobile carrier challenge
SpaceX is snapping up spectrum and forging partnerships to take on major mobile carriers. Last month it announced an agreement to purchase a nationwide spectrum portfolio in the eight hundred megahertz band.
## Qualcomm provides base station technology
SpaceX will use Qualcomm's Dragonwing cellular infrastructure hardware and software in base stations to enable high capacity coverage for Starlink Mobile. SpaceX plans to establish tens of thousands of new cell sites.
## Key takeaway

SpaceX and Qualcomm signed a multiyear deal to build terrestrial 5G infrastructure for Starlink Mobile, expanding SpaceX's challenge to major U.S. carriers.