If you live outside the US and have been waiting for Starlink access for years, faster internet speeds may be on the horizon. SpaceX is sending out emails to interested customers about a “global roaming service” for Starlink that’s designed to work in nearly any country.
Starting on Thursday, a few users reported receiving messages from SpaceX about the new Starlink service plan, which costs $200 per month. “You are invited to try Starlink Global Roaming service, which allows your Starlink to connect from almost anywhere on land in the world,” the message says.
Interestingly, SpaceX sent the message to at least two people who live in countries where Starlink isn't available. They told PCMag they’ve been waiting for Starlink access since early 2021.
“I put a deposit for (Starlink) over 2 years ago and got this mail yesterday,” said one user who is based in Greenland, a market outside of Starlink’s current service areas.
Another prospective Starlink customer, who received the offer about the global roaming tier, told PCMag: “I believe that’s a way for Starlink to get people to use the service worldwide, without having to fight with (government) approval.”
SpaceX didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. So the company’s exact intentions for the global roaming plan remain unclear. SpaceX’s goal has been to expand Starlink access across the globe, but to do so, it’s has to secure approval from each country’s government.
The global roaming plan may represent some kind of loophole. Earlier this week, SpaceX quietly announced that its maritime service for Starlink is now available for waters across the globe.
Still, the SpaceX message about the global roaming plan does note: “If required, Global Roaming services are contingent on regulatory approvals.” It also adds: “If you are based outside of the US, you will also be responsible for acting as the Importer of Record for the Starlink Kit, which may include the payment of customs duties and import taxes.”
On the downside, the new global roaming tier costs $90 more than the baseline residential Starlink plan, which goes for $110 per month for users in the US. Interested customers also have to pay a one-time $599 fee, the standard rate for the necessary Starlink dish.
The message from SpaceX adds: "Global Roaming makes use of Starlink's inter-satellite links (aka space lasers) to provide connectivity around the globe. As this is a new technology, you can expect Starlink's typical high speed, low-latency service intermixed with brief periods of poor connectivity, or none at all."
Despite the higher price and limitations, both consumers who received the message have already paid for the new global roaming tier. They expect Starlink to offer a major upgrade over their existing internet plans.