Elon Musk’s SpaceX has struck a deal worth about $17 billion with EchoStar to acquire spectrum licenses that will strengthen its Starlink satellite network.The agreement covers EchoStar’s AWS-4 and H-block spectrum licenses, with up to $8.5 billion to be paid in cash and an equal amount in SpaceX stock. SpaceX will also make about $2 billion in cash interest payments on EchoStar’s debt through November 2027, AP reported.As part of the transaction, SpaceX and EchoStar will enter into a long-term commercial partnership that will enable EchoStar’s Boost Mobile subscribers to access SpaceX’s next-generation Starlink Direct-to-Cell service.EchoStar shares surged more than 23% in pre-market trading on Monday following the announcement.The deal comes weeks after AT&T said it would spend $23 billion to acquire wireless spectrum licenses from EchoStar, significantly expanding its low- and mid-band coverage networks.EchoStar said that both the AT&T and SpaceX agreements are expected to resolve ongoing Federal Communications Commission inquiries into the rollout of 5G technology in the US.Proceeds from the SpaceX deal will be partly used to pay down debt, EchoStar said, adding that the operations of Dish TV, Sling and Hughes will not be affected.