Starlink’s income is growing rapidly, but the political activity of Ilona Mask threatens the business

The Starlink satellite Internet service has been demonstrating an impressive increase in income that have almost tripled over the past two years. Two independent analytical publications confirm this success. According to experts from Quilty Space, revenue in 2024 amounted to $ 7.8 billion, and Payload indicates a figure of $ 8.2 billion. At the same time, about 60 % of the income account for consumers using a home Internet service. However, as ARS Technica writes, the political activity of Ilon Musk creates risks for business.

Image source: Starlink

Analysts believe that in 2024, Starlink brought SpaceX several hundred million dollars of free cash flow (FCF). In 2025, the service revenues, according to forecasts, will exceed $ 12 billion, and FCF can grow to $ 2 billion. “If SpaceX created Starlink to finance the colony on Mars, now we have evidence that this project can generate enough funds for such ambitious goals, ”said Chris Quilty, executive director and president of Quilty Space.

Starlink’s success is based on an innovative approach to the placement of thousands of satellites in low -earth orbit. Such a strategy allows you to provide a faster signal compared to traditional satellite communication systems in geostationary orbit (GSO). At the end of last year, the service totaled 4.6 million subscribers, significantly ahead of previous market leaders, such as Hughes and Viasat, which reached a peak of 2.2 million users about five years ago. This year, Starlink plans to add another 3 million new customers.

In addition to the consumer segment, the company is actively developing cooperation with state structures, especially with the US defense department. Also, services are available for marine ships (more than 75 thousand are equipped with a Starlink network) and cruise liners, as well as in the aviation sector.

At the same time, over the past decade, Starlink managed to create a reliable ecosystem, including available ground terminals, modern gateways around the world and more than 7 thousand satellites in orbit. The company’s immediate plans include the launch of new, larger third -generation satellites, which will be delivered to orbit using the StarsHip missile. The technology of direct connection to mobile networks is also developed without the need to use ground terminals.

Despite the successes, Starlink is faced with negative challenges associated with the growing political activity of the founder of the company. The participation of a mask in domestic and international politics causes more and more discontent among governments and the public, and can even affect the possibility of Starlink’s work in some countries. For example, in Canada, the leader of the Conservative Party Doug Ford announced his readiness to terminate the contract by $ 100 million with Starlink due to American duties for almost all Canadian goods. “Mask is part of the Trump team that wants to destroy families, income, and destroy the business,” Ford said at a press conference. “He wants to deprive hardworking people with livelihoods, and I’m not going to endure it.”