Verizon is acquiring Starry to enhance its FWA capabilities and expand its reach in the MDU market.
Starry brings approximately 100,000 FWA subscribers and high-capacity mmWave technology to Verizon.
Starry’s median download speeds have nearly doubled from 102.74 Mbps in Q1 2022 to 202.25 Mbps in Q2 2025, exceeding Verizon’s current FWA median download speeds of 149.21 Mbps.
The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.
Why this matters: This acquisition allows Verizon to accelerate its FWA deployment, leverage cost-efficient technology, and potentially overcome challenges in expanding to more markets. It also positions Verizon to better compete in the urban broadband market.
Verizon’s acquisition of Starry marks a strategic move to strengthen its position in the fixed wireless access (FWA) market. Starry, known for its use of mmWave technology, brings a valuable asset to Verizon’s existing infrastructure.
Background Context:
Starry, founded in 2016, uses proprietary near-line-of-sight technology with base stations covering approximately 1.5 kilometers. It operates on shared spectrum licenses in the 37.1, 37.3, and 37.5 GHz mmWave bands and holds 104 licenses in the 24 GHz band.
Strategic Implications:
Technology Integration: Verizon plans to integrate Starry’s mmWave technology with its own mmWave spectrum assets and leverage its fiber footprint for backhaul.
Subscriber Growth: The acquisition will add approximately 100,000 subscribers to Verizon’s FWA base.
Market Expansion: Verizon aims to target the MDU market with solutions delivering up to 1 Gbps speeds using mmWave spectrum.
Financial Details:
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Starry, which briefly went public through a SPAC in March 2022 before filing for bankruptcy and re-emerging as a private company in August 2023, had previously indicated its spectrum licenses could cover over 40 million homes.
Q: Why is Verizon acquiring Starry?
To enhance its fixed wireless access (FWA) capabilities, expand its reach in the multi-dwelling unit (MDU) market, and integrate Starry’s mmWave technology.
Q: How many subscribers will Starry bring to Verizon?
Approximately 100,000 subscribers.
Q: What is Starry’s key technology?
Proprietary near-line-of-sight technology using mmWave spectrum.
Verizon’s acquisition of Starry is a strategic move to strengthen its position in the FWA market.
The integration of Starry’s technology and subscriber base will help Verizon expand its high-speed internet services, especially in urban areas and MDUs.
This acquisition reflects Verizon’s commitment to investing in fiber infrastructure and pioneering new technologies to enhance connectivity nationwide.
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