Starlink surpasses 8 million global customers and acquires $2.6 billion in additional spectrum.

The major Spectrum deal with Echostar

SpaceX announced the purchase of additional $2.6 billion worth of radio spectrum licenses from EchoStar. This deal expands upon a previous $17 billion agreement announced in September.

The purpose of the spectrum: Echostar’s additional spectrum will be used to expand its Starlink constellation for Direct-to-Cell service. This service initially allows carrier customers, such as T-Mobile, to access 5G satellite internet.

The sale of Echostar’s spectrum comes after pressure from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Trump administration. The deal effectively ended Echostar’s plans to build a satellite constellation directly connected to devices.

Historic expansion in the aviation sector

In addition to announcing that it has surpassed 8 million customers, SpaceX added significant commercial contracts in the aviation sector:

International Airlines Group (IAG): The European group, which includes British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus, announced that it will install its Starlink internet service on more than 500 of its aircraft.

Implementation: The addition of the Starlink system to IAG aircraft will begin in 2026. This system will cover short, long and global routes for all aircraft not destined for retirement.

It is worth noting that Starlink gradually entered the commercial aviation sector, starting with private aircraft in 2022. It quickly forged partnerships with major companies such as Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, and Qatar Airways.

This expansion helped increase Starlink’s subscriber base to more than 8 million customers, spread across 150 different countries. This is up from 6 million customers last June.