SpaceX FCC filing outlines costs to build a mobile network

SpaceX told the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in a recent filing that it has estimated the cost of building a terrestrial mobile network, rather than relying on acquiring an existing operator.

TL;DR

• SpaceX said in an FCC docket that it has priced the cost of building a mobile network.
• The filing indicates SpaceX may seek spectrum and construct its own network instead of buying a carrier.
• The report comes from Light Reading's review of the FCC proceeding.

Light Reading reported that industry speculation had focused on whether SpaceX might acquire a mobile operator. According to the publication's account of the FCC docket, the company instead described the economics of building a network itself.

Spectrum is the licensed radio frequency resource used to deliver mobile service. The Light Reading report said the FCC filing suggests Elon Musk could pursue spectrum holdings and then build a terrestrial network, rather than purchase a telco.

The source excerpt and description do not provide the filing date, spectrum bands, cost figures, country scope beyond the United States, or any timeline for deployment. The reported detail is limited to SpaceX's position in the FCC proceeding as summarized by Light Reading.

Related questions

• What did SpaceX say in its FCC filing about building a mobile network?
• Does the FCC docket indicate SpaceX plans to buy a carrier?
• What role would spectrum play in a SpaceX-built terrestrial network?