WASHINGTON, February 5, 2026, 10:28 (EST)
- Sources say SpaceX is exploring a Starlink-connected mobile device, as well as direct-to-device internet and a new product for tracking objects in space
- Starlink drives most of SpaceX’s profits, with insiders estimating 2025 earnings close to $8 billion on revenues between $15 and $16 billion
- SpaceX announced its new “Stargaze” service, which will use Starlink satellites to track traffic in low-Earth orbit
SpaceX is gearing up to expand its Starlink lineup with new products that could deepen its foothold in telecom and space services. Among the rumored launches: a Starlink-connected phone, direct-to-device internet, and a space-tracking service, according to sources close to the company. These moves come as SpaceX prepares for an anticipated IPO later this year. Reuters
The push is crucial since Starlink has become the revenue engine fueling SpaceX’s progress. Two insiders revealed the company pulled in roughly $8 billion in profit last year, on revenues between $15 billion and $16 billion, with Starlink making up somewhere between 50% and 80% of that haul.
These earnings fuel bigger ventures, like SpaceX’s ambitious push to build data centers in orbit and its recent partnership with Elon Musk’s AI startup, xAI. Musk mentioned earlier this week that, in the long run, “space-based AI” is the only way to keep expanding, citing Earth’s energy constraints. Reuters
Known mostly for dishes, terminals, and service plans, the company is now eyeing a phone concept. Three insiders familiar with the plans revealed that SpaceX is exploring a mobile device linked to its Starlink satellite internet network, potentially competing with current smartphones. However, details on timing and design are still up in the air.
Musk has stoked speculation openly. Last week, replying to a user on X, he said a Starlink phone is “not out of the question,” describing it as “a very different device” focused on delivering high performance per watt for AI tasks. Androidauthority
Starlink has another project that delivers service straight to phones via a carrier partnership, instead of SpaceX building its own device. Sources familiar with the plans say Starlink has collaborated with T-Mobile in recent years to stream Starlink internet directly to mobile phones on T-Mobile’s network.
SpaceX’s push into cellular has brought it closer to the established carriers. Its biggest play came last year, when it shelled out $19.6 billion for satellite spectrum from EchoStar. Some industry insiders view this as a possible challenge to mobile giants like Verizon and AT&T, but SpaceX has so far framed its efforts as complementary rather than competitive.
“It will likely be hard for Starlink to make a phone and compete with the MNOs,” said Armand Musey, president of Summit Ridge Group, referring to mobile network operators. He added that other carriers might steer clear of a Starlink phone for the same reason automakers don’t source key parts from their competitors.
Starlink’s massive scale lets SpaceX push boundaries. It’s now the globe’s top satellite operator, boasting more than 9 million broadband users and roughly 9,500 satellites launched in just six years. On top of that, sources reveal, SpaceX handles government projects tied to Starlink and its military-grade Starshield system.
A major element of the strategy is direct-to-device service—satellite connections reaching smaller, mobile gadgets without needing a Starlink user terminal. About 650 Starlink satellites currently in orbit were designed specifically for this purpose. Musk noted in a SpaceX blog post on Monday that the aim is to “deliver full cellular coverage everywhere on Earth.”
SpaceX’s next-gen rocket, Starship, is central to that goal. It’s designed to deploy bigger groups of upgraded Starlink satellites capable of delivering stronger internet signals directly to phones. Musk claims each Starship launch with Starlink payloads will boost the constellation’s capacity by “more than 20 times.”
SpaceX has been busy with filings for a mobile push. Back in October, the company trademarked “Starlink Mobile.” This year, it also submitted patents targeting tech to boost Starlink’s connection to small, moving land devices beyond just its user terminals.
SpaceX unveiled “Stargaze” last week, a new service leveraging cameras on Starlink satellites to track the increasing congestion in low-Earth orbit, an area lacking international satellite traffic rules. The company plans to offer some data at no cost, but the paid tier targets U.S. government agencies seeking improved space situational awareness.
The plans bring plenty of uncertainties. Details about any Starlink handset remain scarce, and the concept could face pushback from carriers just as SpaceX aims to roll out direct-to-device service via partners. The wider cellular effort hinges on Starship scaling up. On space tracking, Richard DalBello, ex-head of the U.S. Office of Space Commerce, suggested Stargaze might provide rapid tracking for low-Earth-orbit satellites, but cautioned that the government shouldn’t depend on it exclusively.
