Elon Musk Celebrates Starlink's 9 Million Users: 'Rebuilding The Whole Internet In Space Is Not Easy'
Elon Musk celebrates Starlink reaching 9 million users globally, highlighting the challenge of "rebuilding the whole Internet in space." Despite a recent satellite failure, SpaceX hints at a future as a cell carrier with a "STARLINK MOBILE" trademark filing. Additionally, Tesla's patent for RF transparent vehicle roofs suggests potential integration with Starlink technology.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk hailed the company's satellite internet service provider, Starlink, which recently announced it had reached 9 million worldwide customers.
Not Easy To Rebuild The Internet, Says Elon Musk
On Monday, Starlink's official handle on X announced it had crossed the 9 million customers worldwide threshold "across 155 countries, territories and many other markets." Musk hailed the milestone in a post on the social media platform. "Rebuilding the whole Internet in space is not easy," the SpaceX and Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) CEO said.
Great work by the @Starlink team.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 23, 2025
Rebuilding the whole Internet in space is not easy. https://t.co/B7LrhPIgr4
Starlink's Rare Failure, Cell Carrier Future
One of Starlink's satellites experienced a rare failure recently. The satellite was operating at approximately 260 miles above Earth when the incident occurred, causing it to lose communications and generate a small amount of debris in orbit. According to Starlink, the satellite will reenter Earth within weeks.
Meanwhile, SpaceX recently filed for the "STARLINK MOBILE" trademark with the USPTO, hinting at a possible cell carrier future for the service. The filing describes “two-way real-time transmission” of voice, audio, video, and data by "wireless telecommunications devices.”
SpaceX also has deals in place with cell carriers, like T-Mobile US Inc. (NASDAQ:TMUS), to offer direct-to-cell technology to the carrier's subscribers, as well as a deal with Ukrainian Telecom giant Kyivstar Group Ltd. (NASDAQ:KYIV).
Starlink In Tesla Vehicles?
Recently, Tesla filed a patent called “Vehicle Roof Assembly with Radio Frequency Transparent Material,” describing a vehicle roof that features radio frequency (RF) transparent polymers. The patent could help integrate antennae directly into a vehicle's roof, facilitating direct communication with satellites and other connected tech.
Check out more of Benzinga's Future Of Mobility coverage by following this link.
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