SpaceX has bought $17 billion worth of satellite spectrum from debt-ridden operator EchoStar to enhance Starlink direct-to-cell phone performance.

The sale ends EchoStar's plans to build its own constellation in low Earth orbit (LEO) that would beam 5G connectivity directly to smartphone users in under-connected areas on Earth. The company, founded in 1980, operates a fleet of 10 geostationary satellites, offering internet broadband via satellite as well as satellite TV broadcasting.

EchoStar's business, however, has been suffering for years due to declining consumer interest, especially as it has faced competition from fast-growing LEO constellations, such as SpaceX's Starlink, which provide better throughput and lower latencies. Since May, questions have swirled around EchoStar's finan

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