Starlink has introduced a monthly fee of $5 for pausing its internet service, a feature that was previously offered at no cost. This change affects users with Roam, Residential, and Priority subscriptions in the United States, much of Europe, and Canada, though there are numerous exceptions applicable.
SpaceX refers to the new fee as an upgrade, which some critics view as misleading, particularly for those who purchased a Starlink Mini under the promise of a “pay as you go” model.
The previous free pause capability has been replaced by a $5/month Standby Mode, which provides “unlimited low-speed data” described as suitable for backup connectivity and emergency situations. Users on platforms like Reddit report experiencing speeds of around 0.5Mbps while in Standby Mode, a significant drop from the typical 100Mbps available on the Roam subscription.
Starlink Mini subscribers on the Roam plan have long been marketed with the notion of a “pay as you go” service, catering to travelers such as RV owners and campers, who typically require connectivity for limited periods. The updated website still uses the “pay as you go” terminology while also indicating the new monthly fee.
Owning a Starlink Mini, priced at $499 / €299, offered the advantage of having portable internet that can be easily packed into a backpack. One of the most appealing aspects was the ability to pause the service without incurring any fees upon returning home. This feature provided reassurance to users who could quickly reactivate services if their home internet connection failed. For those who purchased the Mini primarily for summer travel, the new fee translates into an unnecessary annual expense of $45.
An important detail is noted in the frequently asked questions section:
We have upgraded the pause feature to include Standby Mode. Previously, pausing the service provided no data at no cost. If Standby Mode does not meet your needs, you can cancel at no cost and restart your service on a plan whenever you choose.
However, canceling the service involves a more complex process that includes navigating the website and responding to several prompts while SpaceX attempts to prevent cancellation. Unlike Standby, the previous pause feature could easily be toggled in the app. After considering the changes, I chose to cancel my Roam subscription rather than incur the €5 monthly charge for a service I would not use again until November. Upon canceling, I received a warning that future reactivation may not be available if my area reaches capacity.
There is hope that reactivating the service will be possible when needed. Alternatively, competition may arise from Amazon’s Kuiper Internet service, as the market could benefit from affordable, rapid internet solutions, especially in regions lacking reliable connectivity.
