Starlink internet plans and pricing

Starlink internet review

If you live in a rural area with few (or no) internet service provider (ISP) options, Starlink probably has you on the edge of your seat, and rightfully so. A division of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Starlink hit the satellite internet scene in 2015 to begin providing reliable internet to rural communities all over the world. But they did it a bit differently than other satellite internet providers.

Starlink claims to have placed their satellites over 60 times closer to Earth than traditional satellites, like those used by HughesNet and Viasat. What does this mean for Starlink Wi-Fi users? Fast and reliable high-speed internet service in previously inaccessible places.

*Starlink announced, starting in Dec. 2022, they will slow speeds if you use 1 TB of data mo. unless you opt to pay extra.

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Starlink plan comparison

There is only one residential plan available at this time, but Starlink does offer a mobile RV and a business service. They also offer maritime and aviation plans.

Something to note is Starlink doesn’t participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides affordable internet in partnership with most U.S. internet service providers. Also, Starlink doesn’t offer discounts for seniors, military members or others.

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. Pricing in South Dakota shows at $90/mo. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. As of 03/15/23.

Starlink availability

Starlink isn’t yet available across the entire U.S. but has plans to cover most areas by the end of 2023. Expansion is planned from Washington down to California and from Wisconsin and Michigan down to Texas, across to Florida and up to New York.

In comparison to other types of internet like fiber or fixed wireless that are region-specific, satellite internet is nearly 99% available across the entire U.S.

If you are in an unserviceable area of Starlink, you stand a very good chance of getting service from HughesNet or Viasat. According to the FCC, HughesNet covers 99.6% of the country, with Viasat a close 98.7%.

States with at least some Starlink coverage are listed below, but be aware that a small portion, like one city, may be all that is available in a few of them:

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Additional details for Starlink Internet

Their website makes Starlink sign-up quite simple. After typing in your address and clicking Order Now, if the service is available in your area, you’ll be prompted to register and pay the total of $708.58, which includes the hardware cost of $599, the first month’s $110/mo. service fee and a $50 shipping and handling fee. Some areas of the country, like South Dakota, show pricing starting at $90/mo.

If Starlink internet is unavailable, you will be placed on a waitlist and will receive a notification once your Starlink is ready to ship. You’ll see a “Deposit Due Today” amount of $99 and a prompt to issue payment. You’ll then receive notice to pay $599 for the equipment, which will usually ship out within two weeks of that notice. 

Starlink contracts

There are no contracts for Starlink service. If you’re looking for other no-contract internet providers in your area, check out our top favorite no-contract ISPs.

Starlink equipment

The Starlink Kit includes your Starlink, Wi-Fi router, power supply, cables and a mounting tripod. According to Starlink.com, the tripod is designed for ground-level installation or to support a quick start setup to test your internet connection. If you require a roof install, roof mounts are available by signing into your account.

Starlink fees

You can return your Starlink Kit within 30 days of shipment for a full refund of your hardware payment if you decide the service is not a good fit.

Throttling speed

Starlink announced, starting in December 2022, they will slow speeds if you use 1 TB of data a month unless you opt to pay extra.

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Starlink service for your RV

If you travel in your RV but still need the connectivity to work and play online, consider taking Starlink on the road. It’s a pay-as-you-go plan for $135/mo. that is easy to start and stop depending on your travel plans. 

Everything is provided for you to set up your RV service quickly and easily; ensure you have a clear view of the sky to ensure Starlink works properly. Also, note that Starlink isn’t configured yet to be mobile.

Starlink says, “Users can expect high speed, low latency internet in areas marked “Available,” and notably slower speeds during hours of peak usage in areas marked as “Waitlist” or during events with many collocated users.” Check out your availability here. 

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Competitor comparison

Let’s start with what differentiates Starlink internet from other satellite internet providers. With Elon Musk at the helm, the Starlink team created ground stations all over the globe and sent satellites into the atmosphere’s lower orbit.

Ideally, your internet will be faster with Starlink internet because the satellites have less mileage to cover to reach your home. Starlink says their speeds can reach up to 200 Mbps, but keep in mind the startup cost is high.

With HughesNet, your best speed will be around 25 Mbps. However, their new Fusion plans can offer much less latency than a typical satellite plan, although Fusion is more expensive than HughesNet’s original offerings, from $100 to $175/mo.

Viasat speeds are also around 25 Mbps, but they do offer a 100 Mbps plan. However, that plan is also a bit pricey for the average homeowner, at $170/mo.

Below, we look at what a Starlink user can expect to pay and compare those costs with other satellite internet providers like HughesNet and Viasat:

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The bottom line

Although more expensive than the average monthly internet service at an average of $110/mo. Starlink is worth it due to its speed and low latency if you can afford it.

Whether Starlink is available at your address yet, we know how important high-speed internet can be for you.

Allconnect can help you find the best internet service by comparing providers available at your address. 

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Starlink FAQs

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