Starlink, the satellite internet service provided by SpaceX, has quietly lowered its prices to attract new customers. If you’ve considered trying out Starlink but don’t want to pay the huge hardware fee to get started, we have good news. Elon Musk’s Starlink is now offering new customers the hardware at a 50% discount and cutting the cost of monthly internet service.
To get started with Starlink, customers typically pay $349 upfront for the equipment and satellite dishand $120 monthly for the service. While we’ve seen cheaper Residential Lite plans arrive for $80 per month or 12-month contracts hand out the Starlink hardware for free, this is the first time we’ve seen both prices drop. But as usual, there’s a catch or two.
For a limited time, customers can now get the Starlink standard kit for $175, which is 50% off its usual $350 price tag. This lower hardware price is available to new customers only, anywhere Starlink is available. We recently reviewed the Starlink Mini kit and came away extremely impressed.
The hardware is a significant roadblock for potential customers, considering traditional internet providers usually install fiber and a Wi-Fi router for free. That said, Starlink does everything a bit differently and delivers the internet to underserved areas where users are happy to pay a little extra to get fast, reliable internet.
While getting the Starlink satellite dish and equipment for 50% off is pretty great, Starlink’s second deal is even better. This week, Starlink cut the cost of its internet plans, again for new customers, but there are a few limitations.
Right now, new customers can get Starlink’s most popular Residential Plan for $99 a month instead of $120. Or, if you’re interested in the slower Residential Lite plan, it got slashed from $80 to $65 per month. For those curious, the Residential plan delivers speeds between 150 and 250Mbps, while the Lite plan is closer to 50-135Mbps. Still, that’s faster than many options, especially in rural locations.
As we said above, there’s a catch. Starlink’s new lower monthly internet plans are only available to new customers in select locations. If you live somewhere like California, which has a high demand, you won’t see discounted prices. However, locations with extra bandwidth and fewer customers are now more affordable than ever.
Starlink is trying to entice customers with lower prices in regions with extra capacity ready and waiting to be used. You can check if you qualify by entering your address on the Starlink map and clicking Order Now. My location qualifies for the 50% off hardware, but not for a cheaper monthly plan. Basically, the discounts vary by location.
Last but not least, Starlink’s discounted rates are only available for your first year of service—and that’s if you’re in a qualifying location. Anyone near a major city will likely see full prices. However, if you’re in a rural area, check it out today and take advantage of the lower prices and fast internet.
Source: Starlink
