SpaceX's Starlink is now closer to becoming a major mobile carrier rival

Elon Musk's SpaceX was handed a win by the FCC.

Sebastian Gollnow/picture alliance via Getty Images Earlier this week, the FCC approved SpaceX's plan to deploy 15,000 Starlink satellites for direct-to-device service.

The federal agency also waived a rule that requires a leasing agreement with a ground-based carrier.

On Thursday, SpaceX said it will acquire a slice of low-frequency cellular spectrum that could help it operate better indoors.

Days after Elon Musk's SpaceX scored a regulatory win that could give Starlink more power to compete with wireless giants Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, the company announced that it will acquire a slice of low-frequency cellular spectrum that could help it operate better indoors.

Earlier this week, the Federal Communications Commission granted SpaceX's request to deploy and operate 15,000 Starlink satellites to provide direct-to-device connectivity.

The FCC also waived a rule that requires a leasing arrangement with one or more terrestrial wireless carriers, allowing SpaceX to use its own spectrum for the service.

And SpaceX announced on Thursday that it will acquire a slice of low-frequency cellular spectrum that could help Starlink's signal operate better indoors, not just under open skies.

Musk called Thursday's announcement a "very big deal" in a post on X.

The move brings Starlink closer to becoming more than just a mobile service for remote areas or emergency situations — and toward becoming a serious mobile carrier rival.

"This prime low-band spectrum addresses one of the key remaining technical gaps that will pave the way for Starlink Mobile to become a major mobile carrier in the US," SpaceX said.

Stocks for T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon were all hit after trading hours following the SpaceX announcement.

T-Mobile's stock fell more than 11%, while Verizon and AT&T's stock fell by about 6.6%.

SpaceX has faced skepticism in the past from the carriers it hopes to take on.