CNBC has learned that Musk told employees last week that the company isn't likely to take its Starlink satellite internet business public until at least 25 years from now.
Three or four years from now, Musk said at an all-hands meeting of the private company's employees, "Maybe it will be like - I don't know, just guessing"
As he has previously stated, the Starlink business needs to be in a smooth sailing situation. It can make a lot of sense for it to be spun off as a public company.
Despite repeated questions from a variety of investors over the years, the Starlink IPO is still on hold.
CNBC obtained an email from Musk that said he was targeting an offering this year. It will probably make sense to take Starlink public in about three years.
It would be at least a few years before Starlink revenue is predictable, according to the CEO of the company.
CNBC asked the company to comment on Musk's comments.
The Starlink network is designed to deliver high-speed internet anywhere in the world. According to the company, Starlink now has over 400,000 subscribers around the world. The system has been supported by about 2500 satellites.
The company's most recent subscriber numbers suggest annual service revenue of more than $500 million.
A Starlink satellite terminal, also known as a dish, setup in front of an RV.Musk told employees that they shouldn't think of things going public as a path to wealth.
If you don't meet expectations, the public markets will "really pistol whip" you.
Musk has clashed with the regulations of publicly traded companies. He agreed to pay millions in settlement charges with the SEC in response to fraud charges around an aborted take-private plan of his electric vehicle company. He is fighting a proposal to take the company private.
He said that being public is an invitation to pain. The stock price is making people distracted.
Both Starlink and its mammoth rockets are being developed by the company. During its funding round, the company's valuation hit $127 billion.
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