SpaceX has agreed to acquire all 800 MHz spectrum combinations of Grain Management across the United States, for the purpose of providing satellite connection services through Starlink Mobile. Grain Management announced on October 8th that this spectrum sale still requires regulatory approval as well as fulfillment of other delivery conditions.
Grain stated in a press release issued by PRNewswire that this final agreement aims to leverage scarce low-frequency spectrum to support the next generation of satellite direct connection device services. The proposed use will enable Starlink Mobile to reach customers simultaneously through both terrestrial and space networks.
Abstract
The sale of the spectrum for Grain Management is still awaiting approval from the Federal Communications Commission of the United States.
This agreement covers 100% of the national spectrum portfolio, but completion of the transaction still requires approval from the Federal Communications Commission of the United States and fulfillment of customary delivery conditions. Therefore, the acquisition of SpaceX is currently still pending.
Investing.com reports that after news of the spectrum acquisition emerged, telecom stocks fell. The agreement in question involves the same spectrum portfolio that Grain purchased from T-Mobile in August 2026.
800 MHz spectrum will support Starlink Mobile
This combination is intended to support the satellite direct connection device (D2D) service for Starlink Mobile. The company describes this agreement as part of an effort to expand connectivity capabilities at the time of the integration of ground networks and space networks.
Grain Management has been seeking various uses for this asset since its acquisition, and the sale of this spectrum is one of the subsequent arrangements. The company stated that these uses are aimed at expanding connectivity for American consumers and creating value for the industry and its investors.
In a press release, the company stated: "Spectrum is a limited resource, but its role in the economy is constantly expanding." It also linked its spectrum strategy to the integration of terrestrial networks and satellite networks.
From T-Mobile to FCC, the D2D path
Grain acquired this set of spectra from T-Mobile in August 2026, with the payment method including cash and its own 600 MHz spectra. The US Federal Communications Commission approved that acquisition in a directive issued in July 2026.
According to the press release, this directive established a competitive selection process and set a conditional path for the deployment of D2D. The company stated that the agreement with SpaceX advances these objectives and is in line with the committee's efforts to expand coverage, integrate satellite and terrestrial networks, and encourage efficient use of spectrum.
Consultant and the infrastructure layout of Grain
Grain was established in 2007, and its investment areas include digital infrastructure such as fiber optic networks, data centers, wireless spectrum, and communication towers. Its investment activities also cover management services and infrastructure services.
BDT and MSD Partners provide financial advisory services for this transaction. Milbank serves as the legal counsel, while Latham and Watkins provide regulatory legal advisory services.
This article was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence and has been reviewed by an editorial team.
