SpaceX has partnered with Qualcomm to deploy Dragonwing radio units for a nationwide US terrestrial 5G network, starting in 2027, which will combine satellite and ground infrastructure to revolutionize Starlink mobile internet capabilities. This collaboration will enable the creation of a fully-integrated nationwide satellite and terrestrial network, allowing people to stay connected regardless of their location.
Background And History
Qualcomm, an American multinational technology corporation, has been developing and designing technologies for global communications and computing, including next-generation mobile networks, smart devices, and semiconductors. The company has a history of expanding into new areas, such as embedded artificial intelligence, automotive applications, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The Dragonwing product line, aimed at industrial and enterprise solutions, focuses on embedded AI, edge computing, and advanced connectivity.
How It Works
The Dragonwing radio units, specifically the QRU100 and QDU100, utilize Massive MIMO architecture with 64 transmit and 64 receive paths, which boosts coverage and capacity significantly. This technology will support a block of 2GHz spectrum that SpaceX acquired from EchoStar in September 2025. Qualcomm will also supply Layer 1 radio-access-network software to support SpaceX’s existing Layer 2 and Layer 3 code for the network. The collaboration represents a commercial step toward AI-native 6G infrastructure and direct competition with incumbent US carriers on the ground.
The Numbers
The deployment involves tens of thousands of cell sites across the United States, which will complement existing satellite-based 5G service. This is the first US-based deployment of Qualcomm Dragonwing infrastructure, following earlier use in overseas markets like Vietnam. According to Durga Malladi, Qualcomm’s EVP, this is the biggest 5G network deal Qualcomm has done to date.
What It Means Now
The partnership between SpaceX and Qualcomm will enable the creation of a hybrid network that combines the benefits of satellite and terrestrial connectivity. This will provide users with a more reliable and widespread connection, regardless of their location. As Michael Nicolls, Senior Vice President of Starlink, stated, “We’re excited to collaborate with Qualcomm Technologies and leverage their industry expertise and platform to accelerate our timeline to develop our base station end-to-end architecture.” With the deployment set to begin in 2027, this collaboration marks a significant step forward in the development of Starlink mobile internet capabilities.
Sources
- SpaceX to Use Qualcomm's Dragonwing Tech to Help Launch Starlink Mobile
- Qualcomm
- ICYMI ep80: Live from Qualcomm Dragonwing IoT Day – Embedded Computing Design
- Starlink Mobile Taps Qualcomm for Nationwide 5G Buildout Starting 2027
- MNT Research Teases an Upcoming Quasar Module Built Atop Qualcomm's Dragonwing QCS8550
- SpaceX Selects Qualcomm to Accelerate Starlink Mobile’s Nationwide 5G Network
Photo: Web Summit (CC BY 4.0)
