
A Deutsche Telekom executive says Elon Musk's SpaceX would need at least $200 billion to compete in the mobile industry, citing spectrum costs of triple-digit billions, 85,000 towers, and $20–30 billion for network construction.
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A Deutsche Telekom executive discusses the capital requirements for SpaceX to enter the mobile industry, referencing Musk's purchase of 76 megahertz of spectrum and Telekom's own 400 megahertz, 85,000 towers, and network infrastructure.
He [Musk] has now bought 76 megahertz of spectrum. By the way, we have 400. So if you now say he can buy the spectrum prospectively, do your math. These are kind of triple-digit billions which are needed to gain the spectrum position. If he has the money, go for it. Then he has to build a network. I can tell you, we have 85,000 towers. No, he can rent towers, no question. But this is another $20 to $30 billion which are required.
Put antennas on it. You can buy antennas… and you can get [them] maybe even in a cheaper way, or you construct it in a new way, but you need money for that. So therefore, my assessment is that SpaceX at least — if they want to play in that industry — needs at least minimum $200 billion. But even beyond that, to play in an industry which we have, let’s say, professionalized over the last 20 years — okay, welcome to the party.

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