SpaceX is making waves in the satellite internet market with an affordable new Starlink plan designed to attract customers who may have avoided the service due to its higher costs. For $15 Australian dollars (approximately $9 USD) per month, users can now opt for Starlink as a backup internet solution. However, the plan has a notable limitation: it includes just 5GB of data per month. (So use it wisely!)
Wait, only 5GB?
While the average Joe might not be able to watch Netflix on the plan, it is attractive enough for those who need minimal Internet connection. Subscribers in Australia are receiving emails from the company about the new plan, which is being promoted as a reliable option for emergencies or times when primary internet connections fail.
“Starlink can keep you connected if your main internet goes down”, the email explains. Starlink infrastructure can be easily assembled by civilians after an emergency –fires, natural disasters, blackouts– to restore essential communications when external aid takes too long to arrive.
The message also points out the plan’s flexibility, allowing users to buy extra data at $3 per GB and use the service while traveling, including in international locations and coastal waters.The offer seems to target not just fresh faces but also those who’ve hit the pause button or are debating a breakup with their Starlink subscriptions. It looks like SpaceX’s way of saying, “Don’t ghost us—let’s work it out,” while finding a way to squeeze some life (and revenue) out of accounts gathering digital dust.
Mixed reactions to the “Backup” Plan
The reactions to the plan have been as varied as Starlink’s satellite orbits. Some users appreciate having a budget-friendly lifeline for those “just in case” moments, while others see it as offering more bark than bandwidth, thanks to the 5GB monthly limit.
“5GB? That’s like bringing a Dixie cup to a fire hydrant,” one Facebook user quipped. Others pointed out that most mobile data plans deliver way more bang for the buck, making Starlink’s offer feel like a cosmic splurge. A few practical minds also raised eyebrows, asking how a dish-dependent service could be a reliable backup during a power outage—it’s hard to stay connected when the lights are out.
SpaceX testing new pricing models
This new offer follows another recent Starlink plan: a $50-per-month option for U.S. customers with a 50GB data cap, also promoted as a backup for those using the $120 residential tier. These initiatives indicate that SpaceX is experimenting with different pricing models and service tiers to attract more customers and boost revenue.
Starlink, with more than 4.6 million active users globally, has made notable progress in the satellite internet industry. However, experts suggest that more affordable pricing and flexible options will be key to drawing in a broader audience, especially in markets where cost is a major factor.
The success of this budget plan, despite its limited data offering, is yet to be determined. Still, it demonstrates SpaceX’s openness to experimenting and adapting as it works to strengthen its position as a top satellite internet provider.
How much does it cost in each country?
While we might not get the $9 plan in the US and Canada yet, here’s a list of Starlink’s pricing for residents in the United States, Australia, and Canada:
United States:
- Residential Plan:
- Monthly Service Fee: $90 in areas with excess capacity; $120 in areas with limited capacity.
- Hardware Cost: $599.
- Roam Regional Plan:
- Monthly Service Fee: $150.
- Roam Global Plan:
- Monthly Service Fee: $200.
Australia:
- Residential Plan:
- Monthly Service Fee: $139 AUD.
- Hardware Cost: $599 AUD (currently discounted to $349 AUD until January 30, 2025).
- Shipping Fee: $30 AUD.
- Mobile Priority Plans:
- 50GB: $374 AUD per month.
- 1TB: $1,486 AUD per month.
- 5TB: $7,433 AUD per month.
Canada:
- Residential Plan:
- Monthly Service Fee: $140 CAD.
- Hardware Cost: $499 CAD (reduced from $599 CAD).
- Mobile Priority Plans:
- 50GB: $329 CAD per month.
- 1TB: $1,270 CAD per month.
However, prices and plans are subject to change. For updated plan prices, visit Starlink’s official website or contact their customer service directly.
