SpaceX’s satellite broadband service, Starlink, has exceeded 9 million users globally, underscoring the rapid acceleration of satellite internet adoption worldwide.
The announcement was shared on X, where the company confirmed that Starlink is now operational in 155 countries and territories.
Reacting to the milestone, SpaceX founder Elon Musk described Starlink as fundamentally rebuilding global internet infrastructure from space.
One of the Fastest Growth Curves in Broadband History
Starlink’s expansion represents one of the most aggressive growth trajectories in the global broadband sector.
- December 2024: 4.6 million subscribers
- August 2025: approximately 7 million users
- November 2025: around 8 million users
- Late 2025: roughly 9 million users
Usage depth is rising alongside subscriber growth. An Insider report referencing Cloudflare revealed that global internet traffic generated by Starlink users more than doubled in 2025, pointing to increasing dependence on the service for daily connectivity.
Starlink Emerges as SpaceX’s Financial Backbone
The rapid expansion of Starlink is reshaping SpaceX’s revenue structure. Elon Musk has previously stated that Starlink is SpaceX’s largest source of recurring revenue, outpacing income from its rocket launch operations.
Industry speculation suggests SpaceX could be exploring an IPO as early as next year, with projected valuations reaching up to $1.5 trillion. Musk has also hinted that Starlink itself could be spun off into a separate public listing, potentially unlocking substantial shareholder value.
Nigeria Plays a Key Role in Starlink’s Expansion
Nigeria has become one of Starlink’s fastest-growing markets. Although its ISP licence was granted by the Nigerian Communications Commission in May 2022, Starlink officially commenced operations in Nigeria in January 2023.
The service quickly gained traction due to its ability to deliver broadband access nationwide, independent of fibre infrastructure or mobile network limitations.
By Q3 2024, Starlink had risen to become Nigeria’s second-largest internet service provider, recording 65,564 active subscribers, behind only Spectranet.
According to the latest NCC data, Starlink retained its second-place ranking in Q2 2025, with its subscriber base increasing to 66,523 users.
Drivers Behind Starlink’s Adoption in Nigeria
Several factors have accelerated Starlink’s uptake across Nigeria:
- Gaps in terrestrial broadband coverage
- Power supply instability impacting traditional networks
- Rising demand from SMEs, tech startups, and remote professionals
- Need for reliable connectivity in rural and underserved regions
These structural challenges have made satellite internet a compelling alternative to conventional broadband services.
Africa Strategy and Direct-to-Cell Innovation
Starlink is also strengthening its position across Africa, with its direct-to-cell satellite technology expected to play a transformative role in expanding mobile coverage.
In a notable move, Airtel Africa recently entered into a strategic agreement with SpaceX to roll out Starlink direct-to-cell services in several African markets, including Nigeria.
The technology enables standard mobile phones to connect directly to satellites, potentially eliminating the need for traditional cell towers in remote locations.
What This Means for Global Connectivity
Crossing the 9 million-user mark signals a pivotal moment for satellite broadband and confirms Starlink’s transition from niche service to mainstream infrastructure.
With strong momentum in emerging markets and expanding partnerships across Africa, Starlink is positioning itself as a cornerstone of next-generation global connectivity, reshaping how people access the internet, on the ground and from orbit.
