E-MagazineSpaceX to use Qualcomm's Dragonwing platforms to power Starlink Mobile 5G network: Check all details
SpaceX has partnered with Qualcomm to build its Starlink Mobile 5G network across the US.
Under the partnership, SpaceX will use Qualcomm’s Dragonwing Cellular Infrastructure platforms to support its nationwide terrestrial 5G rollout.
The network will use Qualcomm’s Dragonwing QRU100 and QDU100 platforms.
SpaceX has partnered with Qualcomm to build its Starlink Mobile 5G network across the US. Under the partnership, SpaceX will use Qualcomm’s Dragonwing Cellular Infrastructure platforms to support its nationwide terrestrial 5G rollout. The network will use Qualcomm’s Dragonwing QRU100 and QDU100 platforms, along with software designed to manage key parts of 5G connectivity. The collaboration marks a step towards the two companies’ larger goal of developing AI-native 6G infrastructure in the future. Keep reading for details.
Qualcomm to power Starlink Mobile’s 5G network
Qualcomm’s Dragonwing platforms will provide the technology needed to run key parts of Starlink Mobile’s terrestrial 5G network. The QRU100 platform will handle processing for Massive MIMO radio units, while the QDU100 platform will manage important network processing tasks.
The network will use Massive MIMO technology with 64 transmit and 64 receive paths, also known as 64T64R. This technology uses multiple antennas to send and receive signals. It is designed to improve network coverage, increase capacity and make better use of available wireless spectrum.
"Building a nationwide network demands high performance and power efficiency at every site, said Durga Malladi, EVP and GM, Technology Planning, Edge Solutions, and Data Center, Qualcomm Technologies. "Dragonwing Cellular Infrastructure platforms bring together advanced Massive MIMO, purpose-built processing and commercial-grade Layer 1 software to help Starlink deliver an exceptional nationwide network."
SpaceX has selected Qualcomm #Dragonwing Cellular Infrastructure solutions to support @Starlink Mobile’s nationwide terrestrial 5G network in the U.S. https://t.co/Up7LxbQz5o
— Qualcomm (@Qualcomm) November 4, 2026
Partnership also looks towards 6G
While the current deployment focuses on 5G, the companies see the collaboration as a foundation for future network technology.
"Together with SpaceX, we are building world-leading cellular infrastructure in the United States, advancing 5G today, with an opportunity to lay the foundation for AI-native 6G in the years ahead," Malladi said.
For now, the partnership will focus on expanding Starlink Mobile’s terrestrial 5G network across the US. The longer-term goal is to build a more advanced network.
