Remember how you could just pause your Starlink Internet service? Like, maybe you bought the Starlink Mini for camping or RV trips?
Well, forget free pausing now. Starlink now charge $5 every month for what they let you do free before.
Feels like a trick, right?
What Happened Exactly?
Before, if you had Starlink Roam, Residential, or Priority plan in USA, most Europe, Canada (some places not), you just pressed “pause” in the app. Done.
No bill until you needed internet again. Super good for people who only use it sometimes or for travel.
Now? That free pause is gone.
Instead, they got “Standby Mode” for $5 a month (or €5).
Yeah, you pay even when you dont use their fast internet.
SpaceX’s new Standby Mode promises “slow but unlimited data” they claim works for “backups or emergencies.”
But is it worth it?
People testing on Reddit say Standby Mode gives speeds about 0.5Mbps down.
Compare that to the 100+Mbps+ you usually get on Roam.
Thats a huge drop!
Basically, its only enough for slow email. Forget watching videos.
Big Problem for Starlink Internet Mini People
This really stings if you own a Starlink Mini ($499/€299).
Remember how they advertised it as perfect for trips?
“Use it when you travel, pause when you’re home”, that was the deal. Great for campers, road trips, or summer vacations. No extra costs between adventures.
The best thing about the Mini? Besides space internet in backpack? Was definitely pausing free.
Zero dollars.
And if home internet broke, you could unpause super fast in app – maybe minutes – and be online. Great backup!
Now?
Keep it inactive and they charge you $45/year for Standby Mode. That’s $45 for basically nothing!
For what?
Almost no usable data. Thats not “pay as you go.” Thats “pay even when you dont go.”
Come on, SpaceX. The website still says “pay as you go,” but now adds “a small monthly fee.” Not good.
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So What Can You Do? Cancel?
SpaceX says in their FAQ: You can cancel instead paying Standby. “You are able to cancel at no cost and restart service… whenever you ready.” Okay, maybe true.
But canceling is annoying. You go to website, answer questions while they try stop you.
Before, pausing took seconds in the app. Simple.
Now I canceled my plan completely, no way I’m paying €5 monthly for a Mini I won’t touch until winter.
Then came the warning: “Reactivating later isn’t guaranteed if your area gets full.”
Seriously?
Now I hope in November, when I want my Starlink Internet back for trip, they actually let me restart without extra charge or saying area full.
Fingers crossed!
Maybe Competition Will Come?
Honestly, things like this make you wish another company hurry.
Maybe Amazon Kuiper internet?
SpaceX clearly need some competition for cheap fast internet you setup anywhere.
Charging $5 a month for basically nothing feels like they can because no one else right now.
What you think about this new Starlink charge? You buy Mini expecting true pay as you go?You paying the $5 or canceling? Let me know your thoughts down below!
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