TechCrunch
• Aria Alamalhodaei
SpaceX spends $17B to secure spectrum for Starlink direct-to-cell push
SpaceX has paid roughly $17 billion for wireless spectrum from EchoStar to accelerate Starlink's direct-to-cell service, a clear signal it intends to dominate the satellite-to-phone market. Delivering full 5G from orbit, however, will require larger, higher‑power satellites and the Starship rocket still under development.
