SpaceX is changing how it charges for Starlink satellite internet hardware. The company has introduced a new monthly fee for the physical equipment that connects users to the network. This shift ends the long-standing practice of including free dishes with subscription plans. Customers must now pay separately for the terminal hardware they use.
SpaceX charges $10 monthly for terminals as Max plan jumps to $140
The new policy applies to both the Standard Kit and the Mini dish models. Starlink is treating these devices as rentals rather than one-time purchases. The monthly kit fee is set at $10 USD per month globally. This charge adds directly to existing subscription costs for all affected plans.
Residential Max plan subscribers are seeing a significant price increase under this new structure. These users previously paid $130 per month for service that included the Mini dish at full speed. That free perk has been discontinued entirely. The total cost for these subscribers is now $140 per month to cover both service and hardware.
The pricing update coincides with upcoming hardware and satellite improvements. Starlink is preparing to launch V3 satellites later this year, which will support a gigabit-speed constellation. The Standard Gen 4 kit may offer better portability and compatibility with these faster networks. The Mini dish could also receive upgrades such as a built-in battery and USB-C charging.
Starlink currently serves approximately 12 million subscribers worldwide. This billing change affects the entire user base rather than just new sign-ups. The company is aligning its revenue model with the cost of maintaining and upgrading physical terminals. Users should expect higher monthly bills starting with their next billing cycle.
Source: NotebookCheck
