It's an interesting question. After helping T-Mobile by powering its T-Satellite feature and spending $17 billion to buy 2GHz AWS-4 spectrum from EchoStar for Mobile Satellite Services, SpaceX shelled out an additional $2.6 billion for AWS- 3 spectrum from EchoStar that is designated for terrestrial use. With that in mind, it seems that Elon Musk might want Starlink to provide wireless service via traditional ground-based systems in addition to delivering service through satellites.
The sky is not the limit for Starlink as it could offer service using traditional means including cell towers
Keep in mind that the wireless firm that was expected to replace Sprint and join T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T, Boost Mobile, is owned by EchoStar. When the later started selling off its airwaves to AT&T, SpaceX and others, it also stopped work on Boost's standalone 5G network. Boost will be a hybrid MNO or Mobile Network Operator relying on AT&T's network through a wholesale deal that was part of the spectrum sale.
SpaceX files to protect the name "Starlink Mobile"
SpaceX and its CEO Elon Musk may have designs on becoming competition for T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T. Besides buying spectrum designed for terrestrial use, a document from the US Patent Trademark Office (USPTO) shows that the name Starlink Mobile was filed by SpaceX for trademark protection on October 16, 2025. A potential selling point for Starlink Mobile could be promoting it as the one carrier to subscribe to if you travel out of the country often. Instead of paying up for roaming, a Starlink Mobile subscriber traveling to the U.K. or India could avoid paying the higher roaming costs by using his satellite-powered Starlink Mobile plan.
SpaceX filed with the USPTO to protect the Starlink Mobile name. | Image credit-PCMag
Another possibility is that the patent filing has nothing to do with terrestrial service and is merely a clue that Starlink's service, used by T-Mobile and others to offer cell service via satellite to subscribers who have run across a cellular dead zone, is about to expand.
"Powered by Starlink" is also protected by the trademark filing
The Starlink Mobile name would reportedly be used for SpaceX's telecommunications and communications services, along with providing "video and data to mobile phones and smart devices, and cellular personal communication services." Covering the same business sectors, Starlink also filed to protect "Powered by Starlink."
Will Musk offer traditional cell service in addition to satellite service?
Sure. He smells the potential money that can be made.
66.67%
No. He doesn't want to take on T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T.
33.33%
The satellite service offers low speed connectivity in remote and rural areas. Currently, the services offered by Starlink include the ability to use certain social media apps and others including Google Maps. Low-quality video calls and text messaging are also available. Some of the spectrum picked up by SpaceX could be used to add capacity, capabilities and features to Starlink's satellite service putting it on a par with 4G LTE connectivity.
Alan, an ardent smartphone enthusiast and a veteran writer at PhoneArena since 2009, has witnessed and chronicled the transformative years of mobile technology. Owning iconic phones from the original iPhone to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, he has seen smartphones evolve into a global phenomenon. Beyond smartphones, Alan has covered the emergence of tablets, smartwatches, and smart speakers.
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