SpaceX and Qualcomm to deploy Dragonwing 5G equipment at tens of thousands of US sites

SpaceX and Qualcomm have agreed a multi-year deal to build out SpaceX's nationwide mobile network in the US, theverge.com reports. SpaceX will bring Qualcomm's Dragonwing technology to "tens of thousands" of 5G cell sites, with the first deployments set for 2027 theverge.comtheverge.comtheverge.comOpen source ↗. The outlet describes it as Qualcomm's biggest 5G deal yet theverge.comtheverge.comtheverge.comOpen source ↗.

The platform is Dragonwing Cellular Infrastructure, a set of hardware and software designed to improve network coverage, capacity and efficiency. SpaceX plans to combine it with its constellation of direct-to-cell satellites theverge.comtheverge.comtheverge.comOpen source ↗.

The partnership is part of SpaceX's effort to make Starlink Mobile a major US carrier that competes directly with T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon. The company has already acquired a block of spectrum, and recent reports said SpaceX was exploring an acquisition of Boost Mobile theverge.comtheverge.comtheverge.comOpen source ↗.

Durga Malladi, Qualcomm's executive vice president and general manager of technology planning, edge solutions and data center, said the companies are building cellular infrastructure in the United States and advancing 5G today. He added that they have an opportunity to lay the foundation for 6G in the coming years theverge.comtheverge.comtheverge.comOpen source ↗.