:

STARLINK HITS 10.3M SUBSCRIBERS, DOUBLES YoY GROWTH

INDUSTRY DESK1 MIN READ
THU, MAY 21, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 2 SOURCES ▸ TIMELINE

SpaceX's Starlink reached 10.3 million subscribers in Q1 2026, marking a 105% year-over-year increase. SpaceX's connectivity business generated $11.3 billion in revenue during 2025.

SpaceX disclosed the subscriber figures in its S-1 filing, providing the first public confirmation of Starlink's paid user base. The satellite internet service more than doubled its customer count compared to the same period last year. The connectivity division—primarily Starlink—accounted for $11.3 billion in annual revenue during 2025, establishing it as a significant revenue stream for the aerospace company beyond its core launch services. The growth reflects expanding demand for satellite-based internet, particularly in regions with limited terrestrial broadband infrastructure. Starlink now operates in dozens of countries, competing with traditional ISPs and other satellite providers. The subscriber milestone comes as SpaceX continues launching Starlink satellites to expand network capacity and coverage. The company has deployed thousands of satellites since the constellation's inception in 2019.

■ SOURCES

TechmemeTechmeme

■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

■ MORE FROM THE BIG TECH DESK

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has halted state spending on Flock's AI surveillance cameras amid growing bipartisan backlash. The freeze comes as a Texas Tribune investigation revealed the state spent over $30 million on the technology.

4H AGOIndustry Desk

Google Maps has changed the label for Lake Ontario to "Lake America" for US users following President Donald Trump's proposal to rename the lake during trade negotiations with Canada.

5H AGOIndustry Desk

John Ternus assumes Apple's CEO role this week amid a wave of executive departures. The company is simultaneously exploring new hardware, including a stylus-equipped foldable iPhone.

5H AGOIndustry Desk

Meta is testing robots to perform routine maintenance tasks currently handled by human technicians in its data centers. The automation push aims to streamline operations across the company's infrastructure.

8H AGOIndustry Desk

■ SUBSCRIBE TO THE DAILY BRIEF

ONE EMAIL, 5 STORIES, 06:00 UTC. UNSUBSCRIBE ANYTIME.