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/Qualcomm

Qualcomm is teaming up with SpaceX to build a nationwide mobile network in the United States.

Qualcomm announced Wednesday (local time) that SpaceX had selected its Dragonwing Cellular Infrastructure platforms to build Starlink Mobile's nationwide terrestrial 5G network in the United States.

Under the partnership, Qualcomm will supply its Dragonwing QRU100 and QDU100 platforms for Starlink Mobile's terrestrial base stations.

SpaceX plans to begin deploying the network across the United States in 2027. The company intends to install tens of thousands of base stations under the multi-year agreement.

The two companies plan to combine the platforms to improve performance per watt in radio units and distributed units, achieving the energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness needed for large-scale network deployment.

The partnership is also seen as a step toward commercializing SpaceX and Qualcomm's vision for artificial intelligence (AI)-native 6G infrastructure. While focusing on building a terrestrial 5G network under the current project, the companies also aim to lay the groundwork for future expansion into next-generation telecommunications infrastructure.

"Starlink is building a fully integrated nationwide satellite and terrestrial network that will keep people connected no matter where they are," said Michael Nicolls, senior vice president of Starlink at SpaceX.

"This collaboration will advance today's 5G technology while laying the foundation for future AI-native 6G infrastructure," said Durga Malladi, executive vice president at Qualcomm.

                                                                                                             Jeong A-reum