Starlink is purchasing an additional $2.6 billion in wireless spectrum licenses from EchoStar, and this move builds on the $17 billion agreement announced in September. Moreover, the expansion arrives just one day after the company revealed it had surpassed 8 million global customers. As activity increases, Starlink continues to add major commercial partners. International Airlines Group plans to install the inflight service on more than 500 aircraft across its brands, including British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus.
EchoStar began selling its spectrum earlier this year after pressure from federal officials, and Trump personally told EchoStar’s CEO to sell the licenses, according to Bloomberg. The September sale ended EchoStar’s plans to build its own direct-to-device constellation. However, EchoStar also sold $23 billion in licenses to AT&T in August.
Growing the Direct-to-Cell Network
The newly acquired spectrum will support Starlink’s developing “direct to cell” network, which initially allows T-Mobile customers to use satellite-based 5G service. As the network grows, coverage should reach more regions and more types of devices. Furthermore, the added capacity may help the company scale faster than earlier projections.
Deepening Aviation Partnerships
The deal with International Airlines Group will bring Starlink onboard beginning in 2026, and the service will appear on short-haul, long-haul, and global routes. Additionally, the group intends to equip every aircraft not headed for retirement. Starlink has steadily expanded throughout the aviation sector since 2022. It started with smaller jets and private planes, yet it quickly accumulated larger commercial partners. Hawaiian Airlines became the first big carrier to sign on. United Airlines announced an integration agreement in late 2024 and accelerated deployment this year. Qatar Airways also outfitted dozens of wide-body aircraft with Starlink during the same period. Consequently, the service now counts more than 8 million customers across 150 countries, up from 6 million in June.
