SpaceX in Talks for 80,000 US Cell Sites to Build Fourth Wireless Carrier

SpaceX is seeking at least 80,000 cell sites across the US and is negotiating with major tower owners, including Crown Castle Inc., to support its plan to build a fourth nationwide wireless carrier, people familiar with the matter said. Deal terms could be worth billions. Crown Castle CEO Chris Hillabrant, asked on a Wednesday earnings call whether the company is discussing leases with SpaceX or other satellite-based providers, said, "You can assume that we're talking to all parties," declining to comment on specific customers. American Tower declined to comment; SpaceX and Vertical Bridge did not immediately respond. Mobile carriers AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile typically lease tower space rather than own it. SpaceX recently acquired low-band spectrum and won FCC approval to launch 15,000 satellites for direct-to-phone service. CEO Elon Musk said the moves "will pave the way for Starlink Mobile to become a major mobile carrier in the US."