2025 was a busy year for Starlink, as the technology moved beyond innovation, establishing itself as a critical element of the global communications infrastructure, accessible anywhere on Earth.
On the main, this year Starlink:
- officially launched a new router – Router Mini
- has released a Mini Car Adapter – an accessory that allows you to connect Starlink Mini to a 12V car outlet or USB-C port
- introduced the new flagship Performance antenna (Gen 3), and the previous models of the High Performance line were officially renamed Performance Gen 1 and Gen 2
- successfully launched a record number of satellites into low orbit, bringing the total number of Starlink constellations to over 9,000 devices
- reached a customer audience of over 9+ million users in 155+ countries and markets
- increased its network capacity by more than 600 Tbit/s
- tested Direct-to-Cell technology in 13+ countries, including Ukraine
However, 2025 was only the foundation for even greater network deployment. According to our observations of SpaceX’s progress, 2026 will be the year of a major technical leap. We see a clear focus: the launch of powerful V3 satellites and the transition to lower orbits. This means that signal latency will become even lower and the overall network capacity will increase.
Starlink V3 satellite deployment and 5G mobile communications
In the first half of 2026, SpaceX plans to deploy Starlink V3 satellites, as we reported in our digest. In particular, it is expected that this could radically change the capabilities of Starlink technology itself, as well as Direct-to-Cell. In the future, it is also considered that these satellites will be able to provide full 5G communication from space, which will be identical in quality to terrestrial.
The move comes with the registration of a new trademark, Starlink Mobile, which signals SpaceX’s intention to create its own global cellular network based on Direct-to-Cell technology. Instead of the usual ground towers, more than 15,000 V3 satellites will serve as base stations, which will have 20 times more power than current models. Thanks to this scaling, the service plans to offer download speeds of up to 100 Mbps directly to regular smartphones by 2027, without any additional equipment.
Production of over 16 million sets
According to SpaceX's 2025 report, the company plans to double production of Starlink kits this year to meet demand. The company currently produces more than 8 million kits per year, and this figure could increase to more than 16 million per year. In addition, in connection with the arrival of new V3 satellites, new Standard and Mini antennas are expected to be released.
Starlink vs. Amazon Leo Ultra: A New Era of Private Control Over Global Communications
It is also worth noting the challenges that await the company this year. The main threat to SpaceX’s market share will be the launch of the Amazon Leo Ultra terminal – the most powerful antenna in the competitor’s line, capable of providing speeds of up to 1 Gbit/s. Thus, control over the global “space Internet” is finally moving into the realm of competition between two private American companies, which will stimulate a reduction in equipment prices and the emergence of new service packages for users around the world. By the way, if you are interested in learning more about what kind of beast these Amazon Ultra Leo antennas are – we have a separate article.
A separate front is the battle for the mobile communications market, where Direct-to-Cell technology will allow ordinary smartphones to connect to satellites directly. This effectively turns satellites into "space base stations," allowing mobile operators to permanently eliminate "dead zones" on the coverage map.
In summary, 2026 will be a year of high speeds and even greater competition. For Starlink, it is a time to confirm its leadership status through improved technology, and for users, it is an opportunity to finally get stable internet anywhere on the planet.
At Adaptis, we continue to keep our finger on the pulse of these changes so that you are the first to have access to the most advanced solutions. Whatever technology you choose, our team will help you set up seamless connectivity where you need it most.
