SpaceX satellite internet provider Starlink has recorded $5.2 billion in revenue during the third quarter ending September 2026. The growth marks a 69% year-over-year (YoY) surge, largely att
SpaceX satellite internet provider Starlink has recorded $5.2 billion in revenue during the third quarter ending September 2026. The growth marks a 69% year-over-year (YoY) surge, largely attributed to an increase in consumer revenues.
According to the SpaceX report for the quarter under review, the $5.2 billion Starlink revenue represents a 36% share of total SpaceX revenue, showing how the connectivity division is contributing to the Elon Musk-owned company’s financial performance. Its Space and Super Intelligence (SI) division recorded $1.8 billion and $7.6 billion, respectively.
Starlink’s income during the period increased 99% YoY to $2.37 billion while Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation (EBITDA) rose 82% YoY to $3.5 billion.
Also read:Starlink relaunches in Uganda 4 months after securing operational license.
As of September 30, 2026, Starlink had 13.6 million consumer subscribers, up from approximately 12 million in June. SpaceX also reported hundreds of thousands of additional enterprise subscribers. Monthly average revenue per user (ARPU) increased 5% from the previous quarter to $69.
“Total costs and expenses for the Connectivity segment were up $974 million year-over-year, driven primarily by our growing satellite constellation, Starlink Kit deliveries, and marketing initiatives to support revenue growth,” SpaceX said, while CAPEX stood at $1.5 billion in Q3.
Around Q3, SpaceX said it agreed to acquire the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licenses related to 800 MHz spectrum to advance its Mobile strategy, a regulatory approval that gives Starlink Mobile the technical foundation to become a traditional, standalone U.S. mobile carrier.
In addition, acquiring this low-band terrestrial spectrum addresses the satellite company’s struggle to reach users who are inside buildings or surrounded by thick obstacles.
SpaceX said the transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2027, subject to regulatory and other customary closing conditions.
Starlink in AfricaStarlink continued its expansion project in Africa, having already launched in 30 markets. The latest came when it launched its low-Earth-orbit (LEO) high-speed offerings in Equatorial Guinea in August.
The launch follows its recent launch in Côte d’Ivoire. Aside from the West African country, Starlink has launched in the Central African Republic (CAR) and Senegal and has secured regulatory approval to launch in Uganda after previous restrictions, all in 2026.
The satellite operator’s point of entry is bridging connectivity gaps and providing internet where terrestrial towers fail. Through its high-speed internet, it seeks to leverage its service to provide a 5G network, which is not yet available in most African countries. Its LEO services allow the company to penetrate rural areas where terrestrial towers cannot reach.
In another push to close the digital divide and connect underserved and rural communities in Africa, Starlink is partnering with telecom operators to deploy satellite-to-mobile services. The initiative marked its first entry in the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Uganda marked its second entry.
