SpaceX

SpaceX introduced the Starlink Mini 2, an all‑in‑one satellite internet terminal that integrates a dish, Wi‑Fi router and a built‑in battery providing up to 4.5 hours of runtime and support for hot‑swappable additional batteries. The device is slimmer than the original Mini (23.1 mm) but slightly heavier (~3.5 lb), retains an IP67 rating and can also run from a 60W USB‑C power source. Preorders are open by invitation for select US customers and the unit is priced at $999, which includes one year of Roam Unlimited service. » More on theverge.com

SpaceX intends to build a gas-fired power plant and a supercomputer facility at its headquarters in Starbase, Texas, with an initial price tag of $24 billion and is seeking tax breaks for the project; a hearing is scheduled for Dec. 9. The announced sum covers only the first development phases, and the capacities of the power plant and data center remain unclear. The project could allow SpaceX to avoid years-long waits for a grid connection; AI provider Anthropic is already the largest single customer of the former xAI compute capacity. Little local opposition is expected, although nationwide politics could bring changes to permitting. » More on heise.de

SpaceX struck a multi-year deal with Qualcomm to deploy its Dragonwing 5G technology across tens of thousands of cell sites starting in 2027 as part of plans to make Starlink Mobile a “major” US carrier. The company has acquired low-band spectrum and is reported to be in talks to acquire Boost Mobile or access its network for a commercial launch. SpaceX is also negotiating access to about 80,000 cell towers to pair terrestrial infrastructure with its direct-to-cell satellite constellation, a buildout industry executives say could cost in excess of $200 billion. » More on theverge.com

SpaceX is cooperating with Qualcomm and plans to use its Dragonwing platform for terrestrial 5G infrastructure with Massive‑MIMO (64/64) to build an integrated nationwide satellite and mobile network. The target is roughly 80,000 antenna sites; rollout is planned to start in 2026 and, according to industry sources, could run for years, while estimates of costs and timing vary. A possible takeover of Boost Mobile is being considered, U.S. carriers are responding cautiously, and industry players are preparing for a new fourth network operator. » More on heise.de

SpaceX has signed a multi-year deal with Qualcomm to bring its Dragonwing cellular infrastructure to tens of thousands of 5G cell sites in the US, with initial deployments slated for 2027. SpaceX plans to integrate Qualcomm’s hardware and software with Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellite constellation to boost coverage, capacity and efficiency. The partnership is a key part of SpaceX’s push to make Starlink Mobile a major US carrier competing with T‑Mobile, AT&T and Verizon. » More on theverge.com