Starlink charges $10 monthly hardware fee in move away from one-time purchases

Key Points:

• Starlink has introduced a $10 monthly rental fee for its hardware, shifting from its previous model of a one-time hardware purchase; the new fee applies to residential service plans and includes the satellite terminal and router.
• This rental fee is in addition to recent internet service price increases, with plans now ranging from $55 to $130 per month depending on speed tiers, and a professional installation service available for a one-time $199 fee or free with the Max plan.
• The rental option is rolling out globally in countries including the US, Canada, UK, France, Australia, and Mexico, and customers currently renting hardware can request to purchase their kit by contacting support.
• Starlink originally charged $499 for hardware at launch in 2020, with prices fluctuating since then and occasional promotions offering free hardware with long-term commitments; buying hardware from retailers may be more cost-effective over time compared to renting.
• Customers with existing Starlink kits can avoid the rental fee by entering their device identifier during sign-up, and Starlink continues to adjust pricing strategies as it prepares for SpaceX's upcoming public offering.