SpaceX is now openly talking about turning Starlink into a more serious mobile service, and that puts traditional telecom operators in the frame. Reuters says SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell told investors the company wants to build out ground-based infrastructure that complements its satellite network for a true mobile service. SpaceX is now openly talking about turning Starlink into a more serious mobile service, and that puts traditional telecom operators in the frame. If Starlink can offer strong rural, maritime, aviation, defence and emergency coverage, mobile operators may need to partner with SpaceX or respond with their own satellite alliances. A true mobile Starlink service would raise hard regulatory questions about licensing, local partnerships, lawful interception, pricing and whether satellite operators should be treated like mobile network operators.