Summary
- Starlink now offers a 12-month residential plan with hardware included, making it more affordable.
- With the 12-month subscription you’ll get a Starlink dish and router for free, regularly $349.
- Be sure to read the fine print; cancellations or address changes may incur fees.
Have you considered trying out Starlink internet service but didn’t want to pay the huge hardware fee to get started? If so, we have some good news. The company just launched a new 12-month residential plan where you’ll get Starlink’s dish and router, regularly $349, completely free. Here’s what you need to know.
Starlink, the satellite internet service provided by SpaceX, has quietly made several changes over the last few months. In March, it launched a new cheaper plan with a catch or two, and now we’re getting optional 12-month subscriptions that’ll help you save money.
This week, Starlink announced all-new 12-month subscription contracts in select markets, making it easier than ever to ditch traditional internet companies and try something new. As you can probably guess, this is a 12-month contract similar to what you’d sign to get a new smartphone or home internet from legacy providers. The hardware is entirely free in exchange for promising to use the service for an entire year.
Typically, those who sign up for Starlink pay an initial fee ranging anywhere from $349 and above to get the Starlink satellite dish and a compatible Wi-Fi router and monthly payments for the internet service itself. Now, like other providers, all the hardware is $0 when you sign a contract. It’s nothing new or special to consumers, but it’s the first time Starlink offers it in several regions.
Over the last few years, Starlink has quickly become a solid internet option for those in rural areas or locations with poor infrastructure. The company also consistently expands its options, like support for RVs, faster internet tiers, and more. However, the high cost of entry certainly slowed down adoption or prevented customers from trying the service. And now, that’s a thing of the past.
While Elon Musk’s Starlink company has offered this plan before, it’s now rolling out to more regions. You can get a 12-month Starlink residential plan in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and most European countries. Select other regions have something similar for the Starlink Mini kit.
Like all contracts, don’t forget to read the fine print. If you cancel your Starlink service, change the address, or fail to pay your bill on time, Starlink reserves the right to charge you the hardware fee or other “change fees”. This is all relatively standard, but know that you’ll need to sign up, get the hardware, and then use Starlink for at least 12 months, and you’re all set.
Those interested should visit the Starlink website and, if eligible, sign up for its new 12-month residential plan. In other news, you’ll soon be able to get free Wi-Fi on United Airlines flights through Starlink, and the internet company will also offer satellite-based text messaging on T-Mobile. Slowly but surely, we’re seeing Starlink appear everywhere.
