Verizon Acquires Starry: Strategic Fixed Wireless Broadband Expansion into Multi-Dwelling Units and Urban Markets
- Wireless Dealer Group

- Oct 9
- 13 min read

Verizon Starry Acquisition Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Announcement Date | October 9, 2025 |
Expected Close | Q1 2026 |
Purchase Price | Undisclosed |
Starry Customers | Nearly 100,000 MDU customers |
Markets Covered | Boston, NYC, LA, Denver, Washington DC |
Technology | Millimeter wave (mmWave) fixed wireless |
Target Segment | Multi-dwelling units (MDUs) and urban areas |
Regulatory Approval | FCC approval required |
The Verizon Starry acquisition announced October 9, 2025 marks a strategic expansion of Verizon's fixed wireless access (FWA) capabilities, specifically targeting multi-dwelling units (MDUs) and dense urban environments. By acquiring Starry, a leading provider of next-generation fixed wireless broadband services using innovative millimeter wave technology, Verizon accelerates its ability to deliver high-speed internet to apartment buildings and urban communities—a segment traditionally challenging for wireless providers. This comprehensive analysis examines the strategic rationale, technology implications, competitive landscape, and opportunities for wireless dealers following the Verizon Starry acquisition.
Starry currently serves nearly 100,000 MDU customers across five major markets (Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Denver, and Washington, D.C.) with a Net Promoter Score nearly double the industry average, demonstrating exceptional customer satisfaction. The acquisition, expected to close by Q1 2026 subject to FCC approval, positions Verizon to leverage its extensive fiber backbone and mmWave spectrum holdings to rapidly expand fixed wireless broadband in complex urban settings where traditional fiber-to-the-home deployment is expensive and time-consuming.
Strategic Rationale Behind Verizon Starry Acquisition
The Verizon Starry acquisition addresses multiple strategic objectives for Verizon's broadband expansion ambitions.
Accelerating FWA Growth:
Proven Technology: Starry's mmWave fixed wireless technology is battle-tested in complex MDU environments
Faster Deployment: Fixed wireless deploys quicker than fiber-to-the-home in dense urban areas
Lower Cost: Less expensive to build than traditional wireline infrastructure
Immediate Customers: Acquires nearly 100,000 existing customers instantly
Market Presence: Established footprint in five major metro areas
MDU Market Opportunity:
Underserved Segment: Apartments and condos historically difficult to serve profitably
High Density: Thousands of potential customers in single buildings
Urban Focus: Targets high-value urban markets where Verizon already has assets
Competitive Gap: Cable companies dominate MDU market; Verizon gains competitive entry
Growing Segment: Urban apartment living increasing in major metros
Leveraging Existing Assets:
Fiber Backbone: Verizon's extensive fiber network provides backhaul for mmWave sites
mmWave Spectrum: Verizon holds significant mmWave spectrum licenses
5G Infrastructure: Can leverage existing 5G mmWave deployments
Network Expertise: Verizon's network engineering capabilities accelerate expansion
Operational Scale: Verizon's scale reduces per-customer costs
Competitive Positioning:
Cable Competition: Directly competes with cable companies in MDU market
T-Mobile Response: Counters T-Mobile's aggressive FWA expansion
AT&T Pressure: Matches AT&T's fiber and wireless broadband efforts
Differentiation: Unique MDU-focused FWA capability competitors lack
Convergence Play: Bundles mobile + home internet for comprehensive offering
Joe Russo, EVP and President, Global Networks and Technology at Verizon, stated: "Starry has demonstrated a unique and efficient approach to delivering high-speed internet in complex MDU environments. By integrating their technology and expertise, we will accelerate our fixed wireless access capabilities, giving millions of new customers a powerful and affordable broadband option."
Starry Background: What Verizon Is Acquiring
Understanding Starry's business model and technology provides context for the Verizon Starry acquisition strategic value.
Company Overview:
Founded: 2016
Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts
Focus: Fixed wireless broadband for multi-dwelling units
Markets: Boston, New York City, Los Angeles, Denver, Washington DC
Customers: Nearly 100,000 MDU subscribers
Technology: Proprietary mmWave fixed wireless platform
Technology Platform:
Millimeter Wave: Uses mmWave spectrum for high-capacity wireless links
Hybrid Fiber-Wireless: Fiber backhaul to rooftop nodes, wireless to apartments
Gigabit Capable: Delivers gigabit speeds to residential customers
Low Latency: Comparable latency to wired broadband
Scalable: Can serve hundreds of units from single rooftop installation
Service Model:
Simple Pricing: Transparent, straightforward pricing plans
No Bundles Required: Standalone internet service
No Data Caps: Unlimited data usage
No Long-Term Contracts: Month-to-month service
Easy Installation: Quick setup process for residents
Customer Satisfaction:
Net Promoter Score: Nearly double industry average
High Retention: Strong customer loyalty
Positive Reviews: Consistently high ratings
Reliable Service: Reputation for network reliability
Responsive Support: Well-regarded customer service
What Verizon Gains:
Proven Technology: Battle-tested mmWave FWA platform
Technical Expertise: Engineering team with MDU deployment experience
Customer Base: 100,000 existing subscribers generating revenue
Market Knowledge: Deep understanding of MDU sales and operations
Brand Recognition: Established brand in target markets
Infrastructure: Rooftop installations and network equipment
mmWave Fixed Wireless Technology: The Technical Foundation
The Verizon Starry acquisition centers on Starry's innovative millimeter wave fixed wireless technology optimized for urban MDU deployments.
How mmWave FWA Works:
Fiber Backhaul: Fiber connection brings internet to building rooftop
Rooftop Node: mmWave transmitter installed on building roof
Wireless Distribution: mmWave signals distributed to individual apartments
In-Unit Receiver: Small receiver in apartment connects to WiFi router
High-Speed Internet: Gigabit speeds delivered wirelessly
Technical Advantages:
High Capacity: mmWave spectrum provides multi-gigabit capacity
Low Latency: Direct wireless path minimizes latency
Scalability: Single rooftop node serves entire building
Quick Deployment: No need to wire individual units
Cost Effective: Lower deployment cost than fiber-to-unit
MDU-Specific Benefits:
No Building Wiring: Avoids expensive in-building cabling
Landlord Friendly: Minimal building modifications required
Fast Activation: New residents connected quickly
Flexible Coverage: Easily adjusts to building layouts
Reliable Performance: Dedicated wireless links per unit
Verizon's mmWave Advantage:
Spectrum Holdings: Verizon owns extensive mmWave spectrum licenses
5G Synergy: Can leverage 5G mmWave infrastructure
Network Expertise: Deep experience deploying mmWave networks
Fiber Assets: Existing fiber provides backhaul
Scale Economics: Can deploy at lower cost than Starry standalone
Technical Challenges:
Line of Sight: mmWave requires clear path to apartments
Building Penetration: Limited ability to penetrate walls
Weather Sensitivity: Heavy rain can affect performance
Range Limitations: Effective range limited compared to lower frequencies
Installation Complexity: Requires precise alignment and setup
Despite challenges, Starry's nearly 100,000 satisfied customers demonstrate the technology's viability for MDU deployments. Verizon's resources and expertise position the company to overcome limitations and scale the platform.
Competitive Implications of Verizon Starry Acquisition
The Verizon Starry acquisition reshapes the competitive landscape for fixed wireless and MDU broadband.
Impact on T-Mobile:
FWA Leader Challenged: T-Mobile leads FWA market; Verizon gains ground
MDU Gap: T-Mobile's FWA primarily targets single-family homes; Verizon now has MDU advantage
Urban Competition: Direct competition in high-value urban markets
Technology Differentiation: Starry's mmWave approach differs from T-Mobile's mid-band strategy
Customer Overlap: Both target cord-cutters and underserved markets
Impact on Cable Companies:
MDU Dominance Threatened: Cable has dominated apartment broadband; Verizon now competes
Pricing Pressure: Verizon's entry may force cable to lower MDU pricing
Bundle Competition: Verizon can bundle mobile + home internet vs cable's TV + internet
Installation Advantage: Faster Verizon FWA activation vs cable truck rolls
Customer Experience: Starry's high NPS challenges cable's poor reputation
Impact on AT&T:
Fiber Focus: AT&T prioritizes fiber; Verizon gains FWA advantage
MDU Strategy: AT&T lacks comparable MDU-specific FWA capability
Market Share: Verizon gains competitive tool AT&T doesn't have
Convergence Race: Both compete for mobile + home internet bundles
Impact on Other FWA Providers:
Consolidation Signal: Suggests FWA market consolidating around major carriers
Acquisition Targets: Other independent FWA providers may become acquisition targets
Competitive Pressure: Harder for independents to compete with Verizon's scale
Technology Validation: Validates mmWave FWA approach for MDUs
Competitive Advantages Verizon Gains:
Advantage | Description | Competitive Impact |
MDU Expertise | Proven technology and operations | Unique capability vs T-Mobile, AT&T |
Urban Presence | Established in 5 major metros | Immediate market share in key cities |
Customer Base | 100,000 existing subscribers | Revenue and growth platform |
Technology Platform | mmWave FWA optimized for MDUs | Differentiated from competitors |
Bundle Capability | Mobile + home internet | Stronger than cable, matches T-Mobile |
What the Verizon Starry Acquisition Means for Wireless Dealers
The Verizon Starry acquisition creates new opportunities and considerations for Verizon wireless dealers.
New Product Opportunities:
Home Internet Sales: Dealers may gain ability to sell Verizon FWA home internet
Bundle Offerings: Mobile + home internet bundles increase customer value
MDU Partnerships: Opportunities to partner with apartment complexes
Convergence Sales: Single provider for all connectivity needs
Higher ARPU: Home internet adds $50-80/month per customer
Competitive Positioning:
vs T-Mobile: Verizon now has comparable FWA offering to counter T-Mobile Home Internet
vs Cable: Can position as alternative to cable monopolies in apartments
vs AT&T: Unique MDU capability AT&T lacks
Bundle Advantage: Mobile + home internet from single provider
Customer Retention: Home internet adds switching barrier
Sales Strategies:
Target Apartment Dwellers: Focus on customers in MDUs
Bundle Messaging: Emphasize convenience of single provider
Competitive Switching: Target cable and T-Mobile Home Internet customers
New Movers: Capture customers moving to apartments
Value Proposition: Highlight fast installation, no data caps, competitive pricing
Potential Challenges:
Channel Uncertainty: Unclear if/how dealers will sell FWA service
Commission Structure: Home internet commissions may differ from mobile
Geographic Limitations: Starry currently only in 5 markets
Training Required: Dealers need education on FWA technology and sales
Installation Process: Different from mobile activations
Questions Dealers Should Ask:
Will authorized dealers be able to sell Verizon FWA home internet?
What will commission structure look like for home internet sales?
How will installation and customer service work?
When will FWA be available beyond current Starry markets?
Can dealers bundle mobile and home internet in single transaction?
What marketing support will Verizon provide for FWA sales?
Preparing for FWA Sales:
Market Research: Identify MDU concentrations in your area
Competitive Analysis: Understand cable and T-Mobile Home Internet offerings
Staff Training: Educate team on FWA technology and benefits
Bundle Development: Create mobile + home internet package offerings
Marketing Materials: Prepare materials targeting apartment residents
Impact on Verizon Customers
The Verizon Starry acquisition benefits existing and potential Verizon customers in multiple ways.
For Current Starry Customers:
Service Continuity: Existing service continues uninterrupted
Network Improvements: Access to Verizon's network resources and expertise
Expanded Coverage: Potential for faster expansion to more buildings
Bundle Options: Ability to bundle with Verizon mobile service
Enhanced Support: Access to Verizon's customer service infrastructure
For Verizon Mobile Customers:
Home Internet Option: New Verizon-branded home internet choice
Single Provider: Mobile and home internet from one company
Bundle Discounts: Likely discounts for combining services
Unified Billing: One bill for all connectivity
Simplified Support: Single customer service contact
For Apartment Residents:
More Choice: Alternative to cable monopolies
Faster Installation: Quick activation vs cable truck rolls
Competitive Pricing: Market competition drives better pricing
No Data Caps: Unlimited usage unlike some cable plans
Reliable Service: Starry's proven track record continues
Value Proposition:
Benefit | Customer Impact |
Gigabit Speeds | Fast downloads, streaming, gaming |
No Data Caps | Unlimited usage without overage fees |
Quick Installation | Service activated in days, not weeks |
Transparent Pricing | No hidden fees or surprise charges |
Bundle Savings | Discounts for mobile + home internet |
Reliable Network | Verizon's network quality reputation |
Future Expansion Plans and Market Potential
The Verizon Starry acquisition provides foundation for significant market expansion beyond Starry's current footprint.
Current Starry Markets:
Boston: Starry's home market, strong presence
New York City: Largest market, significant growth potential
Los Angeles: Major West Coast metro
Denver: Mountain West presence
Washington, D.C.: Capital region coverage
Expansion Opportunities:
Additional Major Metros: Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Miami, Atlanta
Verizon FiOS Markets: Leverage existing fiber infrastructure
5G mmWave Cities: Markets where Verizon deployed 5G mmWave
High-Density Urban Areas: Cities with significant MDU populations
University Towns: College campuses and student housing
Market Size and Potential:
U.S. MDU Households: Over 40 million apartment/condo units
Urban Concentration: Majority in top 50 metro areas
Underserved Segment: Many MDUs have limited broadband choice
Growth Trajectory: Urban apartment living increasing
Revenue Opportunity: Billions in potential annual revenue
Verizon's Expansion Advantages:
Capital Resources: Financial capacity to fund rapid expansion
Fiber Assets: Existing fiber provides backhaul infrastructure
Spectrum Holdings: mmWave licenses in major markets
Network Expertise: Engineering capabilities to deploy at scale
Brand Recognition: Verizon brand opens doors cable can't
Timeline Expectations:
Q1 2026: Acquisition closes, integration begins
2026: Expand within existing 5 markets, add 2-3 new cities
2027-2028: Accelerate expansion to 10-15 major metros
2029-2030: Nationwide MDU coverage in top 25 markets
Long-Term: Millions of MDU households served
Regulatory Approval and Considerations
The Verizon Starry acquisition requires FCC approval and faces potential regulatory scrutiny.
FCC Approval Process:
Required Filing: Application filed with FCC for review
Public Comment: 30-day public comment period
FCC Review: Commission evaluates competitive impact
Timeline: Typically 3-6 months for approval
Expected Close: Q1 2026 if approved
Regulatory Considerations:
Market Concentration: FCC evaluates impact on competition
Consumer Benefits: Must demonstrate customer advantages
Spectrum Holdings: Review of combined spectrum assets
Public Interest: Overall benefit to telecommunications market
Conditions: FCC may impose conditions on approval
Likely Approval Factors:
Increased Competition: Verizon competing with cable benefits consumers
MDU Choice: Provides alternatives in underserved apartment market
Technology Innovation: Advances fixed wireless broadband
Network Investment: Verizon will invest in infrastructure expansion
Small Acquisition: Starry's 100K customers minimal market share
Potential Concerns:
Spectrum Concentration: Verizon already holds significant mmWave spectrum
Competitive Reduction: One fewer independent FWA provider
Market Power: Verizon's size and resources vs smaller competitors
Pricing Impact: Concerns about future pricing after acquisition
Expert Assessment:
Industry analysts expect FCC approval with minimal or no conditions. The acquisition increases competition in MDU broadband (dominated by cable), brings new technology to market, and Starry's small customer base poses no competitive concerns. Verizon's commitment to expand service strengthens public interest case. Approval likely by Q1 2026 as projected.
Industry Reaction and Expert Analysis
The Verizon Starry acquisition has generated significant commentary from industry experts and analysts.
Positive Perspectives:
Strategic Fit: "Perfect acquisition for Verizon's FWA strategy" - Industry analysts
Technology Validation: "Validates mmWave FWA approach for dense urban environments"
Competitive Impact: "Game-changer for MDU broadband competition"
Customer Benefits: "More choice and competition benefits apartment residents"
Market Timing: "Verizon acquiring at right time as FWA market matures"
Concerns Raised:
Independent Provider Loss: "One fewer independent option in FWA market"
Integration Challenges: "Verizon must preserve Starry's customer-focused culture"
Expansion Speed: "Will Verizon expand fast enough to justify acquisition?"
Pricing Questions: "Will Verizon maintain Starry's competitive pricing?"
Technology Evolution: "mmWave limitations may constrain long-term growth"
Competitor Reactions:
T-Mobile: Likely to accelerate own FWA expansion and MDU focus
Cable Companies: May need to improve MDU offerings and pricing
AT&T: Pressure to develop comparable FWA MDU strategy
Other FWA Providers: Increased acquisition interest from major carriers
Wall Street Perspective:
Strategic Rationale: Analysts view acquisition as strategically sound
Financial Impact: Minimal near-term financial impact given Starry's size
Long-Term Value: Potential for significant revenue growth over time
Competitive Positioning: Strengthens Verizon's convergence strategy
Execution Risk: Success depends on effective integration and expansion
The Future of Fixed Wireless Access
The Verizon Starry acquisition signals important trends in the evolution of fixed wireless broadband.
FWA Market Trends:
Rapid Growth: FWA subscribers growing 30-40% annually
Carrier Dominance: Major carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T) capturing market share
Technology Diversity: Multiple approaches (mid-band 5G, mmWave, CBRS)
Market Segmentation: Different technologies for different use cases
Consolidation: Independent providers being acquired
mmWave FWA Evolution:
MDU Focus: mmWave ideal for high-density apartment buildings
Urban Deployment: Best suited for dense urban environments
Capacity Advantage: Multi-gigabit capacity per site
5G Integration: Convergence with 5G mmWave networks
Technology Improvements: Ongoing advances in range and reliability
Competitive Landscape Evolution:
Provider | FWA Strategy | Technology | Target Market |
Verizon (post-Starry) | MDU-focused + suburban | mmWave + C-band | Urban apartments + homes |
T-Mobile | Mass market FWA | Mid-band 5G | Suburban/rural homes |
AT&T | Fiber-first, FWA secondary | C-band 5G | Fiber unavailable areas |
Cable | Defend existing base | DOCSIS/fiber | Traditional footprint |
Convergence Implications:
Mobile + Home Internet: Single provider for all connectivity
Unified Networks: Same infrastructure serves mobile and home
Bundle Economics: Lower churn, higher customer lifetime value
Competitive Advantage: Carriers vs cable in convergence race
Customer Simplification: One bill, one provider, one support contact
Long-Term Outlook:
FWA Mainstream: Fixed wireless becomes standard broadband option
Technology Mix: Fiber, cable, and FWA coexist serving different segments
Carrier Advantage: Mobile carriers gain home broadband market share
Cable Pressure: Cable companies face increasing competition
Consumer Benefits: More choice, better pricing, improved service
Action Items for Wireless Dealers
Wireless dealers should take proactive steps to prepare for opportunities created by the Verizon Starry acquisition.
Immediate Actions (Now - Q1 2026):
☐ Monitor Announcement: Stay informed about acquisition progress and FCC approval
☐ Contact Verizon Rep: Ask about dealer participation in FWA sales
☐ Market Research: Identify MDU concentrations in your market area
☐ Competitive Analysis: Research cable and T-Mobile Home Internet offerings
☐ Staff Education: Begin educating team on FWA technology and benefits
Short-Term Actions (Q1 2026 - Q4 2026):
☐ Training: Complete Verizon FWA product training when available
☐ Marketing Materials: Develop materials targeting apartment residents
☐ Bundle Development: Create mobile + home internet package offerings
☐ MDU Partnerships: Explore partnerships with apartment complexes
☐ Sales Process: Develop FWA sales process and scripts
Long-Term Actions (2027+):
☐ Market Expansion: Expand FWA sales as Verizon adds markets
☐ Bundle Focus: Make convergence bundles core offering
☐ Competitive Positioning: Position against cable and T-Mobile aggressively
☐ Customer Retention: Use home internet to reduce mobile churn
☐ Revenue Growth: Grow ARPU through home internet attachment
Questions to Ask Verizon:
Will authorized dealers be able to sell Verizon FWA home internet?
What will be the commission structure for FWA sales?
When will FWA be available in our market?
How will installation and customer service work?
Can we bundle mobile and home internet in single transaction?
What marketing support will Verizon provide?
Will there be dealer training programs?
How will FWA integrate with existing dealer systems?
Verizon Starry Acquisition: A Strategic Leap Forward
The Verizon Starry acquisition announced October 9, 2025 represents a strategic leap forward in Verizon's fixed wireless access ambitions and convergence strategy. By acquiring Starry's proven mmWave FWA technology, nearly 100,000 existing customers, and deep MDU deployment expertise, Verizon gains immediate capabilities to compete effectively in the high-value urban apartment broadband market—a segment historically dominated by cable companies and increasingly targeted by T-Mobile's FWA offering.
Strategic Significance:
This acquisition is about much more than adding 100,000 customers. Verizon gains battle-tested technology optimized for the complex MDU environment, experienced engineering and operations teams, established market presence in five major metros, and a proven customer satisfaction track record (NPS nearly double industry average). Combined with Verizon's extensive fiber backbone, significant mmWave spectrum holdings, network engineering expertise, and operational scale, the Starry acquisition provides foundation for rapid expansion into dozens of additional markets serving millions of urban apartment residents.
Competitive Implications:
The Verizon Starry acquisition reshapes competitive dynamics in fixed wireless and MDU broadband. Verizon now possesses MDU-specific FWA capabilities T-Mobile and AT&T lack, directly challenges cable companies' apartment monopolies, and can offer compelling mobile + home internet bundles that cable cannot match. For cable companies long accustomed to MDU dominance, Verizon's entry with superior technology, faster installation, and competitive pricing represents existential threat. For T-Mobile, the FWA market leader, Verizon's MDU focus opens new competitive front in high-value urban markets.
Customer Benefits:
Apartment residents are the clear winners. The acquisition brings more choice to MDU broadband market, competitive pressure on cable pricing and service, faster installation than traditional providers, proven reliable technology with high customer satisfaction, and ability to bundle mobile and home internet from single provider. Starry customers benefit from Verizon's resources enabling faster expansion, network improvements, and enhanced support while maintaining the service quality and customer focus that earned Starry its exceptional reputation.
Dealer Opportunities:
For Verizon wireless dealers, the Verizon Starry acquisition potentially opens significant new revenue streams. Home internet sales add $50-80/month per customer to ARPU, mobile + home internet bundles increase customer lifetime value and reduce churn, MDU focus provides clear target market, and convergence positioning strengthens competitive advantage against T-Mobile and AT&T. Dealers should proactively engage with Verizon about participation in FWA sales, prepare teams through education and training, develop marketing strategies targeting apartment residents, and position for growth as Verizon expands FWA availability.
Technology Evolution:
The acquisition validates mmWave fixed wireless as viable technology for dense urban MDU deployments, demonstrates FWA market segmentation (mmWave for MDUs, mid-band for suburban homes), and signals continued FWA market growth and evolution. As 5G networks mature and FWA technology advances, fixed wireless will increasingly compete with traditional wired broadband across all market segments. Verizon's investment in Starry positions the company at forefront of this technological shift.
Market Expansion Potential:
With over 40 million MDU households in the United States, primarily concentrated in top 50 metro areas, the addressable market for Verizon's FWA service is massive. Starting from Starry's base in five markets, Verizon can leverage existing fiber and spectrum assets to expand to dozens of additional cities over coming years. Long-term potential: millions of MDU customers, billions in annual revenue, and significant market share gains in urban broadband.
Regulatory Path:
FCC approval expected by Q1 2026 with minimal conditions. The acquisition increases competition (challenging cable MDU dominance), brings innovative technology to market, and benefits consumers through expanded choice. Starry's small customer base poses no competitive concerns, and Verizon's expansion commitments strengthen public interest case.
Bottom Line:
The Verizon Starry acquisition is strategically sound, competitively significant, and potentially transformative for urban broadband market. Verizon gains proven technology and expertise to accelerate FWA expansion in high-value MDU segment, strengthens convergence strategy through mobile + home internet bundles, and challenges cable companies' apartment broadband dominance. For wireless dealers, the acquisition creates new product opportunities and revenue streams. For customers, it means more choice, better service, and competitive pricing. For the industry, it signals continued FWA evolution and increasing competition in broadband market.
Looking Ahead:
Success depends on execution: effective integration preserving Starry's customer focus and technical expertise, rapid expansion beyond initial five markets, competitive pricing and compelling bundles, and dealer channel development enabling broad market reach. If Verizon executes well, the Starry acquisition could be remembered as pivotal moment when major carrier successfully challenged cable's MDU dominance and established fixed wireless as mainstream broadband option for urban America.
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