SpaceX has selected Qualcomm’s Dragonwing technology for a planned terrestrial Starlink Mobile 5G network in the United States. The multiyear project is expected to begin deployment in 2027 and could involve tens of thousands of base stations nationwide.
The network is intended to combine terrestrial infrastructure with Starlink’s satellite capabilities, with the goal of reducing coverage gaps and call interruptions. SpaceX has not disclosed commercial launch timing, service pricing or customer availability.
- Qualcomm Dragonwing QRU100 will provide integrated processing within radio units.
- Qualcomm Dragonwing QDU100 will handle Layer 1 baseband processing, where low latency is critical.
- Massive MIMO 64T64R technology will use 64 transmit and 64 receive channels to improve coverage, capacity and spectrum efficiency.
The 64T64R configuration is designed to help the network handle heavier data traffic while making more efficient use of available radio spectrum. Qualcomm’s platforms and related radio-signal processing software are also intended to support high-performance base stations with optimized energy consumption.
SpaceX’s initial focus is 5G, although the modular architecture is designed to support additional frequency bands and future expansion. Qualcomm also frames the partnership as a step toward AI-native 6G networks, but the immediate test will be whether Starlink Mobile can turn its planned terrestrial-and-satellite architecture into a commercially available service after deployment begins in 2027.
