Qualcomm agreed to supply equipment and technology for SpaceX’s planned U.S. terrestrial 5G network, according to Moncloa.com, which dated the agreement to November 4, 2026. The network plan combines Starlink satellite infrastructure with ground-based mobile service, with terrestrial deployment planned to begin in 2027.
Qualcomm’s reported role
Ámbito’s account names Qualcomm Dragonwing platforms, radio equipment, processing units and software for the planned network. It also describes Massive MIMO equipment with 64 transmit channels and 64 receive channels. That figure describes the reported equipment configuration, not a network speed or coverage measurement.
Qualcomm’s reported role is to supply network technology; SpaceX’s plans also involve spectrum and access to cellular sites.
Satellite service, terrestrial 5G and spectrum
Ámbito describes a U.S. network plan that would combine Starlink satellite infrastructure with terrestrial 5G. The satellite and ground-based parts are distinct pieces of the proposed system.
SpaceX separately agreed to acquire Grain Management licenses in the 800 MHz band, according to Moncloa.com. MarketScreener reports that the portfolio includes up to 14 MHz of paired spectrum. The 800 MHz figure names the frequency band; 14 MHz is the reported maximum bandwidth. Moncloa.com described the spectrum transaction as requiring FCC approval.
Deployment plans and cellular sites
The reports put the planned start of terrestrial deployment in 2027. Ámbito also reported on November 8, 2026, that SpaceX was negotiating access to at least 80,000 cellular sites, including talks with Crown Castle. Ámbito said those negotiations had not produced a definitive agreement at that time.
