Starlink Extends 'Free' Hurricane Relief Internet to the End of the Year

Why You Can Trust CNET

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. How we test ISPs

When Starlink's CEO Elon Musk announced on Oct. 1 that all residents in Hurricane Helene's damage path were eligible for 30 days of free service, many people didn't factor in the costs of the $349 equipment purchase.

Following a backlash about its high internet service costs, which Starlink had advertised as free, the company recently extended that 30-day coverage through the rest of 2024. Additionally, those affected by Hurricane Milton are now eligible for the Starlink internet service, too. On Jan. 1, 2025, Starlink will move all customers to a paid internet subscription at the standard $120 monthly rate.

Read more: Starlink Quietly Ends $100 Discount for New Customers

Starlink's Hurricane Helene relief page, now revised to include Hurricane Milton, offers detailed instructions for new or current customers -- including customers activating multiple kits at a time. If you're not receiving a Starlink kit from the government or an organization, you'll have to purchase your $349 equipment from Starlink or a retailer like Best Buy or Home Depot. Note that purchasing the Starlink kits may result in a longer delivery time, as Starlink cannot expedite the delivery service, which typically takes one to two weeks.

Customers who currently own a Starlink kit but are eligible for the hurricane relief service will have to sign in and create a support ticket to receive the free subscription through the end of the year.

You can check to see if your county is eligible for the free internet service by inputting your address on Starlink's website.