SpaceX has agreed to buy Grain Management’s nationwide 800 MHz licences, up to 14 MHz of paired low-band spectrum, for Starlink Mobile service from the ground and from space. The deal needs FCC approval.
Under a purchase agreement dated 8 Oct, control of the 800 MHz licences that Grain acquired from T-Mobile in August would pass to Starlink Mobile. SpaceX’s FCC filing says it would use them in a “hybrid architecture” for terrestrial and/or satellite service. Grain says SpaceX is acquiring 100% of its nationwide 800 MHz portfolio, subject to FCC approval and customary closing conditions. Available spectrum varies by county. The Wall Street Journal reported a price of about $8 billion; neither company disclosed terms.
Sources: SpaceX FCC transaction narrative · Grain Management via PR Newswire