SpaceX spends $17 bn on EchoStar spectrum to supercharge Starlink’s direct‑to‑phone service
SpaceX bought $17 bn of spectrum from EchoStar, mixing cash and stock, to boost Starlink's direct‑to‑cell satellite bandwidth, potentially increasing throughput 20×. The deal gives SpaceX far more capacity for global mobile coverage and pressures rivals, while rescuing EchoStar's struggling satellite business.