# T-Mobile Parent Fights SpaceX Starlink Challenge

> Deutsche Telekom questions SpaceX's Starlink Mobile as a US carrier threat.
- Title: T-Mobile Parent Fights SpaceX Starlink Challenge · PCMAG
- Summary: Deutsche Telekom questions SpaceX's Starlink Mobile as a US carrier threat. Deutsche Telekom CEO says Starlink Mobile can't compete with traditional carriers…
- Keywords: deutsche telekom, spacex, starlink mobile, t-mobile, mvno, cellular coverage, satellite internet, technology, Parent, Fights, Starlink, Challenge
- Source: PCMAG — https://pcmag.com/news/t-mobiles-parent-company-fires-back-at-spacexs-starlink-mobile-challenge
- Author: Michael Kan
- Published: 2026-10-13T17:11:53+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: deutsche telekom, spacex, starlink mobile, t-mobile, mvno, cellular coverage, satellite internet, technology
## Deutsche Telekom challenges SpaceX
T-Mobile's parent company Deutsche Telekom questions SpaceX's push to become a major US mobile carrier.
## CEO questions satellite coverage
Deutsche Telekom CEO Timotheus Höttges asks why he should make calls over satellite networks when good coverage already exists.
## MVNO partnership risks
Höttges warns mobile carriers should avoid SpaceX reselling partnerships as they could undermine their own business.
## Starlink Mobile competition
SpaceX aims to become the fourth major US carrier competing with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
## Infrastructure hurdles
Höttges states SpaceX needs to build 85,000 mobile antennas in America before offering competitive coverage.
## Indoor coverage limitations
Satellite networks struggle with indoor coverage in dense areas compared to traditional carriers.
## Starlink Mobile's US plans
SpaceX plans to build cell towers for Starlink Mobile using next-generation satellites starting next year.
## European partnership
Deutsche Telekom and SpaceX plan to launch Starlink Mobile version two in Europe by 2028 for dead zone coverage.
## Coverage challenge
Höttges questions how Starlink Mobile will handle phone traffic in cities with millions of users.
## Key takeaway

Deutsche Telekom CEO says Starlink Mobile can't compete with traditional carriers due to poor indoor coverage.