SpaceX uses dominance in rocket launches to boost Starlink wireless airwaves: Report

SpaceX has used its dominant position as the primary rocket launcher to push satellite rivals to share wireless airwaves with its Starlink broadband internet business, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday.

The Hawthorne, California-based company asked other firms, such as Kepler Communications and OneWeb, to share their wireless spectrum rights with SpaceX before they agree to launch their equipment, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter.

Attorneys from a law firm met with the Justice Department’s antitrust division in recent months to bring attention to these arrangements on behalf of some satellite and rocket companies to discuss whether SpaceX is abusing its power, the report said.

SpaceX, which launches rockets on behalf of commercial and government clients, did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The US House committee on Monday said it is investigating the Federal Communications Commission's decision to block Starlink's $885.5 million in rural broadband subsidies.