Space Exploration Technologies Corp.’s (NASDAQ:SPCX) nationwide spectrum purchase could expand Starlink’s role in mobile connectivity while creating new opportunities for U.S. tower operators and reinforcing Elon Musk’s broader push across communications, space and AI.
SpaceX agreed to acquire a nationwide low-band wireless spectrum portfolio from private equity firm Grain Management in a deal reportedly valued at $8 billion.
The acquisition could expand Starlink Mobile’s U.S. cellular ambitions and position SpaceX to compete more directly with established wireless carriers.
Isaacson Sees A Major Expansion Opportunity
Perella Weinberg advisory partner and Tulane University professor, Walter Isaacson said SpaceX’s acquisition of 800 MHz spectrum could significantly expand Starlink’s direct-to-cell ambitions.
“He bid on it, he got the 800 MHz spectrum,” Isaacson told CNBC on Friday.
Isaacson noted that SpaceX already operates the largest Starlink satellite constellation and has Starship to support further deployment.
“This is huge,” Isaacson said, pointing to Musk’s view that the potential market could approach the size of the global economy.
He also said Starlink’s direct-to-cell strategy has evolved considerably from where Musk envisioned the business several years ago.
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Bernstein Sees Upside For Tower Operators
Bernstein analyst Madison Rezaei said SpaceX could emerge as a fourth major customer for U.S. tower companies alongside AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ:TMUS) and Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ).
“What we suddenly have is a new carrier on the tower companies,” Rezaei told CNBC on Friday.
She estimated that an additional tenant could increase recurring revenue for tower operators by roughly 10% to 15%, though she said the precise impact remains uncertain.
Rezaei identified Crown Castle Inc. (NYSE:CCI) as Bernstein’s top pick in the sector because of its heavier concentration in U.S. towers.
The analyst also highlighted potential benefits for American Tower Corporation (NYSE:AMT) and SBA Communications Corporation (NASDAQ:SBAC).
SpaceX May Partner Rather Than Build
Rezaei said a partnership with an existing wireless carrier appears more likely than SpaceX building an entirely new tower network.
She also said the spectrum announcement reduces concerns that Starlink’s direct-to-cell business could replace terrestrial wireless infrastructure.
Instead, she believes the development supports the view that mobile services will continue to require ground-based networks.
Isaacson Highlights AI’s Innovation Dilemma
Isaacson also connected SpaceX’s rapid expansion with a broader question facing AI developers: how companies balance innovation with restraint.
His upcoming “The Builders” podcast features Elon Musk, Dario Amodei, Peter Thiel, Palmer Luckey and Alex Karp.
Isaacson said one of the core issues is whether market-driven technology companies can limit themselves when their products could create risks.
“If you’re going to be market-driven, how are you going to restrain yourself when you know you’re creating something that can do harm?” Isaacson said.
SPCX Price Action: SpaceX shares were up 0.62% at $163.58 during premarket trading on Monday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
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