SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, is accelerating its push to enter the U.S. mobile market. Its plan is to challenge a market dominated by AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile by securing large amounts of spectrum and deploying next-generation Starlink satellites.

The Verge, an IT news outlet, reported on Oct. 17 that SpaceX recently agreed to buy rights to use about $8 billion worth of 800 MHz low-band spectrum from private equity firm Grain Management. A spectrum deal it signed last year with EchoStar has since expanded to about $20 billion.

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has also approved deployment of 15,000 next-generation Starlink mobile satellites. SpaceX plans to build a network combining satellites and ground base stations and expand service across the United States.

The 800 MHz low-band spectrum, in particular, has a long propagation range and strong indoor penetration, making it advantageous for building a terrestrial mobile network.

Walter Piecyk (월터 피첵), an analyst at LightShed Partners, said a satellite-only approach is not enough given smartphones' limited transmit power and indoor communications conditions. He said building a terrestrial network is essential.

But the massive investment cost is an obstacle. Piecyk estimated that building an initial terrestrial network would require $10 billion to $15 billion. He also cited roaming agreements that lease existing carriers' networks as a key variable in early service entry.

Some analysis said Verizon could come under the greatest pressure among existing carriers. Piecyk said Verizon is struggling to differentiate itself from rivals as it focuses on a millimeter-wave-centric spectrum strategy.

Even so, SpaceX is unlikely to compete on equal footing with the three major carriers in a short period. Building a nationwide network will require considerable time and additional investment.

Attention is on whether SpaceX can extend the success of satellite internet into terrestrial mobile communications and create a new competitive landscape in the U.S. telecom market.