September 8, 2025 — Elon Musk’s SpaceX has agreed to buy spectrum licenses from EchoStar in a $17 billion deal aimed at expanding its Starlink satellite network and powering its Direct-to-Cell service.
The package includes $8.5B in cash, $8.5B in SpaceX stock, and coverage of $2B in EchoStar debt interest. The licenses, covering mid-band AWS-4 and H-block spectrum, will allow Starlink satellites to deliver broadband directly to mobile phones.
SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell said the deal will help “end mobile dead zones worldwide.” EchoStar shares surged over 20% on the news.
The move eases FCC pressure on EchoStar for underused spectrum and positions SpaceX as a growing rival to telecom giants in mobile broadband.