(Credit: Brian Westover/PCMag)
Subscribing to Starlink requires a $599 upfront hardware cost, but SpaceX is looking to soften the blow by offering the option to pay for that gear in monthly installments.
Starlink.com now offers the financing option alongside the standard $599 price. "Financing is available for customers who prefer to pay for the cost of the Starlink kit over time (12 months),” the company explained. “Pay $50/mo for 12 months, plus a one-time activation fee. Total hardware cost: $600.”
(Credit: Starlink.com)The terms add that the first monthly installment will be charged on the date the dish is activated, or 30 days after the equipment ships. Hence, it looks like the customer only needs to pay for the shipping cost and tax upfront.
(Credit: Starlink.com)Users will then pay $50 per month for the hardware, plus the monthly internet fee, which will likely be $120. “If an Installment Payment is unpaid, including because your approved payment method is rejected or denied, then Starlink may charge you for the total outstanding amount of the remaining, unpaid Installment Payment,” the terms add.
SpaceX has been trying various ways to lure in new customers. This includes offering select US customers a $1 for 30 days trial, along with the option to buy refurbished Starlink dishes for $399. Last week, the company said it had reached 3 million customers, although it remains unclear how many of those are paid subscribers.
In addition to SpaceX, Home Depot has been offering customers the chance to buy Starlink through monthly installment plans.