How Many Countries Does Starlink Operate In?
The best current answer is 160+ markets worldwide — but “countries” alone does not tell the full story.
Starlink currently operates across more than 160 countries, territories and other markets worldwide. SpaceX’s latest exact disclosure listed 164 markets as of March 31, 2026.
The key wording is countries, territories and other markets. The 164 figure is not a count of 164 sovereign countries, so “160+ markets worldwide” is the clearest current answer.
Why Starlink says “countries, territories and other markets”
Starlink’s footprint is broader than a simple sovereign-country count. SpaceX groups together independent countries, non-sovereign territories and separately served commercial markets in its global total.
Independent countries where Starlink has received the approvals needed to sell service.
Territories can appear as separate Starlink markets even though they are not independent countries.
SpaceX’s commercial reporting can count other individually served markets beyond a strict country list.
That is why the safest current wording is “160+ countries, territories and other markets,” with 164 used only as the latest dated exact market count.
How fast has Starlink’s country footprint expanded?
Starlink has expanded quickly as SpaceX has secured new regulatory approvals and opened service in additional markets.
Starlink said service was available in more than 70 countries.
70+ countriesSpaceX said Starlink expanded into 35 additional countries, territories and other markets during the year.
35 new marketsSpaceX’s regulatory filing provided its latest exact global market count.
164 marketsStarlink’s website now presents availability using a rounded figure rather than an exact market total.
160+ marketsFor the longer expansion timeline, see our complete Starlink history.
Is Starlink available in every country?
No. Starlink’s satellites can cover far more of the Earth than the number of markets where SpaceX is legally allowed to sell service. Commercial availability still depends on local telecom and spectrum approval.
Authorized Starlink markets
These are countries, territories or other markets where SpaceX can sell and activate Starlink service under local rules.
Coverage may exist without legal service
A Starlink satellite can pass overhead even where the company has not received permission to offer commercial access.
For a user, the practical test is not whether a satellite covers the country but whether Starlink officially accepts the address and offers a plan there.
Availability can still vary inside a Starlink market
A country being part of Starlink’s global footprint does not guarantee that every address can order every plan immediately. Capacity, local licensing, service type and congestion can all affect what appears at checkout.
| What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Exact service address | Starlink can limit or vary availability by location even within an active market. |
| Plan availability | Residential, Roam, Priority, maritime and aviation products are not offered identically everywhere. |
| Local rules | National telecom and spectrum regulation can restrict which Starlink services may be sold or used. |
| Current Starlink map | Availability can change as new countries launch and capacity changes within existing markets. |
If you are checking home internet specifically, our guide explains whether Starlink Residential works anywhere and why the registered service address matters.
How to check if Starlink is available where you live
Country-level availability does not guarantee capacity at every address. Starlink can restrict or vary offers in congested areas.
Residential tiers, Roam plans, business products and hardware offers can differ by country and even by service address.
Hardware, shipping, tax, activation charges, demand surcharges and temporary promotions can change the real cost.
Starlink says service remains subject to national authorization. A roaming terminal is not a legal workaround in a country where use is restricted.
For current UK and U.S. pricing examples, see our regularly updated Starlink prices guide.
Why Starlink can expand into new countries so quickly
Starlink does not need to build a nationwide network of roadside cabinets, telephone exchanges or mobile towers before entering a new market. Most of the core network already exists in orbit.
Once regulatory approval, local commercial arrangements and ground infrastructure are in place, SpaceX can make service available across large areas much faster than a traditional fixed broadband network could be built from scratch.
The scale of the constellation is a major part of that. If you want the latest fleet figures, see our guide to how many Starlink satellites are currently in orbit.
The bottom line
Starlink operates across 160+ countries, territories and other markets worldwide. SpaceX’s latest exact disclosure was 164 markets as of March 31, 2026. Because that figure includes territories and other markets, it should not be described as 164 sovereign countries.
Starlink country FAQs
How many countries does Starlink operate in?
Starlink currently says it delivers connectivity across more than 160 countries, territories and other markets worldwide. SpaceX’s latest exact filing listed 164 markets as of March 31, 2026.
Is Starlink available in 164 countries?
Not exactly. The 164 figure includes countries, territories and other markets. It should not be described as 164 sovereign countries.
Is Starlink available worldwide?
Starlink has broad global satellite coverage across land, oceans and polar regions, but commercial service is not authorized in every country. Local regulatory approval is still required.
Why is Starlink not available in every country?
Starlink needs regulatory authorization to provide commercial service. Its satellites can cover far more of the Earth than the number of countries where SpaceX is legally allowed to sell and activate service.
Sources
- Starlink: current global availability statement — 160+ countries, territories and other markets
- SpaceX SEC filing: 164 countries, territories and other markets as of March 31, 2026
- Starlink Progress Report 2025: 35 additional markets added during 2025
- Starlink Help Center: global land, oceanic and polar coverage and authorization limits