SpaceX, under Elon Musk, is planning a major expansion of its satellite Internet service, Starlink, through a \$17 billion deal to acquire airwave licenses from EchoStar. The goal is to create a mobile-satellite network enabling mobile phones themselves, without needing cell towers, to connect directly to satellites. This would allow people in remote or hard-to-reach areas trekking trails, campsites, mountainous regions, open deserts to have reliable phone service, internet, streaming, calls, and other usual mobile features even where traditional coverage is spotty or non-existent.

Under the deal, SpaceX is acquiring spectrum (airwave) licenses, including 50 MHz of S-band spectrum in the US and global licenses through EchoStar. This will give the bandwidth and regulatory approvals needed to build out direct-to-mobile service. The plan includes modifying phone chipsets so they can communicate directly with Starlink satellites bypassing the need for cell towers. 

The acquisition is expected to disrupt existing telecom providers like AT\&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, whose traditional tower-based models may be challenged by direct satellite links. For end users, this could mean access to better connectivity in remote regions, more robust network options, and better coverage during travel and adventure.

As for India, SpaceX is reportedly laying groundwork: discussions are underway with local telecoms, data-centre companies, and ground station providers to facilitate Starlink’s entry in India. Ground infrastructure, trial bandwidth, regulatory permissions, and partnerships are being explored. If successful, this plan would shift how rural and remote connectivity is delivered, helping bridge the digital divide.