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Starlink has figured out how to bring internet service to rural areas, but CEO Elon Musk and crew are still working out what it should cost. Residential service has bounced between $90 and $120 multiple times; Mobile Global service doubled in price at one point; and equipment costs have run anywhere from $299 to $599 and up to $2,500.
Despite the price fluctuations and high cost per Mbps, I’ve argued that Starlink is absolutely worth the money. I’ll say the same for its most recent price change, a 10% hike for mobile service, up by $15 a month from $150 to $165 for the Roam Unlimited plan.
Roam Unlimited provides country-wide serviceability with download speeds up to 50Mbps, unlimited data and in-motion use up to 100 mph to keep up with your boat or RV. The plan also comes with two free months of international travel and coastal connectivity up to 12 nautical miles offshore, plus the option to pause your service.
The $15 monthly increase doesn’t promise faster speeds, but the in-motion coverage, international use and money-saving ability to temporarily stop service are welcome additions to Starlink’s standard mobile internet offering.
Even with the service upgrades, not everyone is thrilled about the changes:
I've got to defend Starlink on this one. Barring a price guarantee (Quantum Fiber has the best deal), internet service providers can and will raise prices whenever they want, often without any meaningful improvements to service. Give Starlink some credit for offering a few service upgrades with its price increase.
Want a cheaper option? Consider Starlink's $50, 50GB roaming plan
In addition to Roam Unlimited, Starlink introduced a cheaper roaming service starting at $50 a month, the lowest of any Starlink plan, for a monthly data allowance of 50GB. Starlink will sell you more data if you want it, but at that point you'd probably be better off opting for the Roam Unlimited plan.
With either roaming plan, expect to pay around $600 upfront for a Starlink Mini dish. It's small and apparently simple to set up, but that's the highest mandatory equipment cost I've seen from any internet provider.
Many ISPs allow you to use your own equipment and save on rental or purchase costs. That's one way you can save on home internet while potentially boosting your service. Check out the CNET Internet page for other ways to save on the internet and make the most of your connection.