SpaceX strikes $17B deal to buy EchoStar’s spectrum for Starlink’s direct-to-phone service

SpaceX is acquiring EchoStar's spectrum licenses for $17 billion in cash and stock to enhance its Starlink direct-to-phone service. This will enable SpaceX to develop a "Direct to Cell" constellation with optimized 5G protocols, providing global broadband-speed internet to mobile phones. The acquisition follows FCC pressure on EchoStar regarding spectrum use and ends EchoStar's satellite ambitions. SpaceX states the new spectrum will power upgraded satellites with 100 times the capacity of first-generation direct-to-cell satellites.