Starlink passes 10M active users across 160+ countries

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Starlink says it is now serving more than 10 million active customers worldwide, marking a new milestone for the satellite internet network operated by SpaceX.

In a message posted online, the company said it is connecting customers “with high-speed internet across 160 countries, territories and many other markets,” thanking users around the world for their support.

The figure reflects rapid growth for a service that began public beta testing just a few years ago. What started as a limited rollout in select regions has expanded into a global network spanning remote villages, urban homes, ships at sea and vehicles on the move.

Internet from low Earth orbit

Starlink operates thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit. Unlike traditional geostationary satellites, which sit far above the planet and can introduce noticeable delay, low-orbit systems are designed to reduce latency and improve responsiveness.

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The company says it delivers speeds of up to 400 Mbps in many locations, supporting high-definition streaming, video calls, online gaming and remote work. It reports average uptime of more than 99.9%, describing the network as resilient in challenging conditions.

Starlink kits — which include a satellite dish and router — are engineered to withstand snow, heavy rain and strong winds. The dish can melt accumulated snow to maintain a clear signal, the company says.

Residential, Roam and Business plans

Starlink’s services are divided into several categories.

Residential plans are aimed at fixed home use. Customers install the dish with a clear view of the sky, plug it in and connect through the company’s app. The set-up process is marketed as taking only minutes.

Roam plans are designed for travellers. The company says users can connect “anywhere in over 150 markets,” making it popular with motorhome owners, maritime users and those working in remote locations.

There are also Business options, offering higher performance tiers and priority data for enterprises, schools and critical infrastructure.

A 30-day trial period is available in many regions, allowing customers to return the equipment for a refund if unsatisfied.

Expanding global footprint

Starlink is now available in more than 150 countries and territories, with service continuing to roll out in additional markets subject to regulatory approval.

In rural areas with limited fibre or cable infrastructure, satellite broadband has become an alternative for households and small businesses. In some regions affected by natural disasters or conflict, satellite terminals have been deployed to restore connectivity when terrestrial networks were damaged.

Industry analysts note that demand for reliable internet access has increased sharply in recent years, driven by remote working, online education and streaming services. Satellite providers are competing to capture underserved markets while also entering mainstream urban areas.

Engineered by SpaceX

Starlink is a division of SpaceX, the launch provider known for its reusable Falcon 9 rockets. The company’s vertical integration — building satellites, launching them and operating them — has been central to the network’s expansion.

SpaceX regularly launches batches of Starlink satellites into orbit, gradually increasing coverage and network capacity.

As the constellation grows, the company says it aims to improve speeds, reduce congestion in high-demand areas and expand into new markets.

For now, the milestone of 10 million active users signals that satellite internet — once seen as a niche solution — has moved firmly into the global mainstream.