SpaceX’s satellite internet service, Starlink, has crossed 9 million customers worldwide. The company disclosed the milestone in a post on X, noting that Starlink now operates across 155 countries and territories.
SpaceX founder Elon Musk described the achievement as a major step, saying Starlink is effectively rebuilding the internet in space. The update reflects the service’s rapid expansion as more users turn to satellite broadband for reliable access, especially in underserved regions.
The growth has been particularly notable in Nigeria, where Starlink has quickly become a major player. By the third quarter of 2024, the satellite provider had risen to become the country’s second-largest internet service provider, a position it continues to hold. This rise has been driven by demand from businesses, tech startups, and remote workers seeking stable connectivity amid persistent broadband and power challenges.
Starlink’s customer numbers have climbed sharply over a short period. SpaceX reported 4.6 million users globally in December 2024. That figure grew to about 7 million by August 2025, reached 8 million in November, and has now increased to roughly 9 million. Industry data cited by Insider and Cloudflare also shows that global web traffic from Starlink users more than doubled in 2025, suggesting heavier and more consistent usage of the service.
The expanding user base has made Starlink a key revenue driver for SpaceX. Musk has said the satellite internet business now generates more recurring income than the company’s rocket launch operations. Reports have also suggested that SpaceX could consider an initial public offering as early as next year, with some speculative valuations placing the company as high as $1.5 trillion. Musk has previously hinted that Starlink itself could eventually pursue a separate IPO.
In Nigeria, Starlink officially entered the market in January 2023, following the issuance of its ISP licence by the Nigerian Communications Commission in May 2022. Its launch drew attention because, as a satellite service, it can deliver broadband access across the country without relying on traditional terrestrial infrastructure. By the third quarter of 2024, Starlink had recorded 65,564 customers, second only to Spectranet. NCC data shows it maintained that ranking in the second quarter of 2025, with 66,523 subscribers.
Beyond Nigeria, Starlink’s footprint in Africa continues to grow. Its planned direct-to-cell service is seen as a potential breakthrough for closing connectivity gaps across the continent. As part of this push, Airtel Africa recently signed an agreement with SpaceX to roll out Starlink direct-to-cell services in several African countries, including Nigeria.
