SpaceX’s satellite internet service, Starlink, generated $5.2bn in revenue in the third quarter of 2026, representing a 69 per cent increase from the same period last year, as its global consumer subscriber base rose to 13.6 million.
According to SpaceX’s third-quarter financial report, the revenue growth was driven largely by increased consumer revenue, with Starlink accounting for 36 per cent of the company’s total revenue during the period.
Starlink’s income rose by 99 per cent year-on-year to $2.37bn, while its adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation increased by 82 per cent to $3.5bn.
The company had approximately 12 million consumer subscribers in June, indicating an addition of about 1.6 million customers by September 30. SpaceX also reported hundreds of thousands of additional enterprise subscribers.
Average monthly revenue per user increased by five per cent from the previous quarter to $69.
However, SpaceX said costs and expenses in its connectivity segment increased by $974m year-on-year, largely due to the growing satellite constellation, deliveries of Starlink equipment kits and marketing initiatives to support revenue growth.
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Capital expenditure for the segment stood at $1.5bn during the quarter.
During the period, SpaceX also announced an agreement to acquire Federal Communications Commission licences covering 800 MHz of spectrum to advance its mobile connectivity strategy in the United States.
The proposed acquisition is expected to help Starlink expand its mobile services and address connectivity challenges affecting satellite users inside buildings and areas obstructed by thick structures.
SpaceX said the transaction was expected to close in the first half of 2027, subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.
Starlink has also continued expanding its presence in Africa, where it has launched services in 30 markets.
In August, the company introduced its low-Earth-orbit satellite internet service in Equatorial Guinea, following its launch in Côte d’Ivoire. It also expanded into the Central African Republic and Senegal in 2026 and secured regulatory approval to operate in Uganda.
The service uses low-Earth-orbit satellites to provide internet access to remote and underserved communities where traditional telecommunications infrastructure is limited or unavailable.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
