Starlink is targeting machine connectivity rather than the smartphone market with its planned US mobile network
09 November 2026 | Research
Article | PDF | IoT Services| Mobile Services| Wireless Technologies
"Starlink wants to build a network to connect robots and machines, rather than one that competes for USD10-a-month smartphone customers."
On 4 November 2026, Qualcomm announced that it will supply the base station technology for Starlink's planned US mobile network. The deal follows reports that Starlink is in talks to lease capacity on 80 000 towers and acquire Boost Mobile.
Much of the reaction to Starlink’s planned MNO has focused on cost. For example, On Deutsche Telekom's 3Q 2026 results call, CEO Tim Höttges said that SpaceX, Starlink's parent, “needs at least minimum EUR200 billion” (USD220 billion) to build a network.” Other commentary has pointed to the struggles of new entrants such as DISH and Rakuten.
These criticisms may be missing the point. Starlink’s main target may not be the smartphone customers of AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon, but machines: vehicles, robots and other AI-driven devices that Elon Musk expects to drive a surge in demand for bandwidth.
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