Satellite internet provider Starlink has begun charging new users a monthly fee to rent its standard hardware, marking a shift from its previous model, which offered equipment rental at no cost. Under the updated pricing structure, US customers will pay $10 per month to lease the Starlink kit, which includes a satellite dish, Wi-Fi router, power supply and necessary cables.
Customers can still purchase the hardware outright, with prices varying by model and typically ranging from about $200 to $350.
Satellite internet services like Starlink are often more expensive than traditional cable broadband, but they remain a critical option in rural and underserved areas where terrestrial infrastructure is limited or unavailable. In its review, CNET rated Starlink’s internet offering 6.5 out of 10, reflecting solid performance balanced against cost.
The hardware rental option is available only for residential service plans, limited to one kit per account. For customers intending to use Starlink as a long-term primary internet provider, purchasing the equipment outright may prove more cost-effective over time, despite the higher upfront expense.
A representative for Starlink’s parent company, SpaceX, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
According to Starlink’s website, hardware rentals are currently limited to select countries, so the option may not yet be available to customers outside the United States. The company also charges a one-time activation fee for rental plans, with costs that vary by region.
Beyond the associated fees, the rental option comes with several limitations. Customers who rent a Starlink kit cannot pause their service; they must cancel their subscription to stop using it. Additionally, renters have a seven-day window from the date of delivery to return the hardware in good condition; otherwise, they may be charged the full cost of the equipment.
Starlink is a division of SpaceX, billionaire Elon Musk’s space flight company. SpaceX has filed to go public, with the initial public offering scheduled for June 12. SpaceX is projected to be the largest IPO in history.
While SpaceX’s reusable rockets break records and garner plenty of headlines, Starlink is by far SpaceX’s most profitable division, earning $4.42 billion last year. The satellites that Starlink relies on to deliver internet services are built and launched by SpaceX.
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