SpaceX's Starlink $50 Backup Plan Comes with a Hidden Catch

Starlink by Elon Musk
Credit: Mariia Shalabaieva on Unsplash | Free use under the Unsplash License

Starlink by Elon Musk
Credit: Mariia Shalabaieva on Unsplash | Free use under the Unsplash License

SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service has launched a new $50-per-month "Backup—50GB" plan to attract cost-conscious customers.

This plan offers Starlink's high-speed satellite internet access but has a strict 50GB data cap. Users are cut off once the limit is reached unless they pay for additional data.

SpaceX
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Credit: ANIRUDH on Unsplash | Free use under the Unsplash License

Previously, the residential year only offered an unlimited monthly data plan for $120. The new $50 plan now provides a more affordable option for customers who want Starlink as a backup internet option.

It's especially appealing in regions prone to natural disasters, such as wildfires, where traditional internet services can fail. Starlink's reliance on orbiting satellites ensures connectivity even during outages, provided the user has access to electricity.

This limited data plan isn't entirely new. SpaceX has quietly offered a similar 50 GB for $50 option to select customers with the standard Starlink and Starlink mini dishes.

The new rollout indicates SpaceX's intent to market it more broadly, mainly in areas with essential backup connectivity.

X Starlink
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Credit: ANIRUDH on Unsplash | Free use under the Unsplash License

However, the plan's limitation, i.e., a strict data cap, may make it less useful in emergencies for households with moderate internet requirements.

Once the 50 GB limit is reached, the Starlink dish becomes nonfunctional unless users pay for extra data, potentially leading to higher-than-expected costs.

While the $50 backup plan offers a cost-effective entry point to Starlink, the data restriction highlights the significance of carefully assessing its fit for your unique requirements.

For people who need a reliable internet connection in emergencies or remote areas, the plan's hidden catch may outweigh its affordability.