Starlink Mobile Claims 22 Million Monthly Users as SpaceX Targets US Mobile Market

SpaceX has said that Starlink Mobile has surpassed 22 million monthly users for its direct-to-device service as the company prepares a major expansion of its satellite-to-mobile network.

The figure, disclosed during SpaceX’s third-quarter earnings call, would represent 37% growth over the previous quarter, and reflects the rapid expansion of Starlink Mobile through partnerships with mobile network operators across North America, Europe, Africa and other markets, where satellite connectivity is increasingly being offered as an extension of terrestrial coverage.

The growth comes alongside strong results for SpaceX’s broader connectivity business. Starlink reached 13.6 million consumer broadband subscribers at the end of September, adding 1.6 million during the quarter. Connectivity revenue increased 69% year-on-year to $5.25 billion, with operating income reaching $2.37 billion.

Those figures highlight the difference between Starlink’s two connectivity businesses. Its conventional broadband service remains a major revenue generator, while Starlink Mobile is building a much larger potential user base through partnerships with existing operators. The 22 million monthly mobile users are not equivalent to direct-paying Starlink broadband subscribers.

SpaceX is now preparing the next phase of its mobile strategy. The company plans to begin launching its second-generation Starlink Mobile satellites aboard Starship in 2027, with a target of activating services using its expanded spectrum holdings in early 2028.

The V2 satellites are expected to deliver a substantial increase in capacity compared with the current direct-to-cell constellation. SpaceX has previously outlined ambitions for 5G-like performance, including data speeds of up to 150Mbps per user, although those capabilities remain dependent on the deployment of the new satellites, spectrum availability and supporting network infrastructure.

Spectrum is becoming central to the strategy. SpaceX has been expanding its holdings through agreements involving EchoStar and recently announced plans to acquire additional 800MHz frequencies. The acquisitions could give Starlink Mobile greater control over its own wireless capacity rather than relying exclusively on spectrum supplied by terrestrial mobile partners.

That raises a bigger question for the US mobile market. Starlink Mobile currently operates through partnerships, including T-Mobile’s T-Satellite service, but SpaceX has increasingly signalled ambitions to compete more directly with established mobile operators.

That transition would not be straightforward. Satellite networks still face major capacity, indoor coverage and economic limitations compared with terrestrial cellular infrastructure, particularly in densely populated areas. Any broader retail mobile offering would likely require a hybrid model combining satellite coverage with terrestrial network assets.

Nevertheless, the combination of a rapidly growing D2D user base, expanding spectrum rights and a much larger V2 constellation suggests SpaceX is positioning Starlink Mobile for a role beyond filling cellular dead zones.