(Credit: Thrive Studios ID via Shutterstock)
Starlink subscribers in the US and elsewhere should brace for a higher monthly bill. SpaceX is raising prices for the Residential and Roam plans, as well as Standby Mode.
The increase amounts to $5 to $10 more each month. In the US, the new pricing has already appeared on Starlink.com, forcing new customers into the new rates.
(Credit: PCMag)Only the newly introduced Roam 300GB remains unchanged at $80 per month. The company’s email about the price change also mentions that the higher rates will take effect for existing subscribers on or after June 18.
The price increase is a bit surprising, considering SpaceX had been discounting the service in certain parts of the US to lure in new customers. The company tells affected customers in an email that Starlink hasn’t raised prices since 2023, when the Residential plan in the US was increased to $120 per month for certain users.
“Pricing has remained unchanged for most Residential customers for the past several years, and strong demand for Starlink reflects the value customers continue to see in the service,” the company wrote. “This adjustment supports ongoing improvements and investment in affordable, high-performance products and services as global operating costs continue to rise.
SpaceX is working to offer gigabit speeds through next-generation satellites.
(Credit: Starlink Facebook Group)Still, the price hike has sparked some anger and disappointment among customers. “I feel bad for the people who might (eventually) get priced out and have absolutely no other option,” wrote one user on Reddit. In congested areas, Starlink has only been offering the more expensive Residential Max plan.
“I hope there is competition for Starlink at some point. Squeeze the customer, pay the shareholders,” wrote another user on Facebook, alluding to SpaceX’s upcoming IPO.
To save on costs, one user also expects many Starlink subscribers will return the portable Starlink Mini dish the company has been giving out to eligible customers as part of a free rental. In the US, the Mini dish can only be used with a Roam or Standby plan.
The new rates have appeared in the UK after Starlink previously offered discounts, notes Tim Belfall, a director at UK-based Starlink installer Westend WiFi. "Really sadly, these rapid price movements show that Starlink can not be relied upon to provide a solid basis to plan your connectivity around," he wrote.
Users in Australia and Canada have also noticed the updated higher pricing. Although SpaceX is increasing prices for the consumer-focused Residential and Roam plans, the company slightly reduced rates for its Local Priority business plans earlier this month.