Starlink partners with Qualcomm to deploy its own terrestrial mobile network and give life to Starlink Mobile

A few days ago we knew the intentions of Elon Musk to convert its popular satellite network into a mobile telephone operator, Starlink Mobile. For this, in addition to the infrastructure it already has in space with the satellites that operate for Starlink, it also needs to improve coverage in covered spaces where the satellite is not capable of reaching. Elon Musk was rumored to be in negotiations to buy Boost Mobile, although it seems he has finally chosen Qualcomm to deploy its own terrestrial network.

Qualcomm to provide Starlink Mobile terrestrial infrastructure

Elon Musk has reached an agreement with Qualcomm to include infrastructure technology for mobile networks Dragonwingwhich will support Starlink Mobile ground stations. Specifically, they will be enhanced with technology Massive MIMOwith low energy consumption and layer 1 software, this is achieved with the Dragonwing QRU100 and QDU100. Starlink plans the first nationwide deployments to begin in the United States by 2027, which will be able to install dozens of communications towers under the multi-year agreement between both companies.

Starlink Mobile will feature 64-channel Massive MIMO technology

The future network of Starlink Mobile will have Massive MIMO radio units with 64 channels for transmission and another 64 for reception. This system will offer improvements in coverage and spectral efficiency, for which Elon Musk has secured a wide spectrum by purchasing a good amount. In addition, the platform will also integrate the High-performance Qualcomm Layer 1 softwarewhich offers low latency even with heavy workloads.

According to Qualcomm, this set will offer Starlink’s mobile network a basis for a multi-band network and even prepared for the future with next-generation 6G networks.