T-Mobile CEO Srini Gopalan said there was “no room” for an agreement that would let SpaceX operate as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) on T-Mobile’s network. Speaking on the company’s third-quarter earnings call, he described satellite connectivity as a complement to terrestrial wireless service in rural areas, not a replacement for it. T-Mobile already partners with SpaceX on T-Satellite, which provides direct-to-cell messaging in remote locations.
The statement comes as SpaceX moves to enter the U.S. wireless market as a fourth national carrier. SpaceX has been acquiring nationwide spectrum and is reportedly in talks for access to 80,000 cell sites as it builds a terrestrial network. Without an MVNO agreement, SpaceX will not use T-Mobile’s network through that arrangement as it pursues its own infrastructure.