Telecom Shares Fall After SpaceX Spectrum Acquisition

By EC Assets · Published 9 October 2026

Telecom stocks experienced declines following news of a spectrum acquisition by SpaceX. Shares of major U.S. telecommunications companies were affected in after-hours trading on Thursday. SpaceX announced a definitive agreement to acquire a nationwide 800 MHz spectrum portfolio. SpaceX plans to utilize this 800 MHz low-band spectrum to enhance its Starlink Mobile service. The acquisition aims to boost Starlink Mobile's coverage and improve indoor penetration. This transaction is subject to approval by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The $8 billion 800 MHz spectrum buy specifically targets strengthening Starlink Mobile's direct-to-cell capabilities. Some analysis suggests that the disruption to traditional telecommunications companies may be limited. However, the news still prompted a negative reaction in the sector. Telecom stocks, including companies like AT&T, Orange, Telefónica, Deutsche Telekom, and Vodafone, saw their shares move on the news. The broader market implications for the telecommunications sector remain a point of focus for observers. This article is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice.