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New Affordable Options for Starlink Users

SpaceX has introduced a new offering for customers under its Starlink service: 12-month residential service plans. This initiative significantly reduces the upfront cost of the satellite dish and router—typically priced at $349 in the United States—to $0 in designated markets, all while maintaining the same monthly subscription rate. Customers have a 30-day window to evaluate the equipment and opt for a full refund if unsatisfied. However, users should be cautious of some fine print associated with the offer.

There are caveats to consider. For instance, should customers alter their service address or cancel their subscription, they will incur a change fee that corresponds to the value of the hardware, adjusted over the duration of the service. Additionally, in regions where Starlink experiences elevated demand, a one-time “demand surcharge” fee of approximately $100 may also apply.

Despite these conditions, many might find this offer appealing. As a case in point, in the Netherlands, the Standard Kit is priced at €349, aligned with the regular Residential plan that costs €50 monthly. With the new 12-month commitment plan, users can secure the hardware at €0, while the monthly fee remains unchanged. However, the change fee is listed at €349. It appears that SpaceX has strategically calculated that attracting more monthly subscribers through reduced initial costs will counterbalance any losses on hardware expenses.

The rollout of the 12-month residential plan has been subtly advertised in various countries over the past month, but it is now being actively promoted on a global scale. It is available in select markets including the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as being offered nationwide in most European nations. Notably, in Croatia, this plan is limited to the smaller and slower Starlink Mini kit.

Source
www.theverge.com