Starlink Sells Internet by the Hour to Neighbors

SpaceX is developing a "Starlink for communities" program, allowing designated hosts to provide shared satellite internet access. These hosts will offer flexible passes for hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly use to nearby residents. This community model is designed to make Starlink more accessible and affordable, especially for underserved populations. SpaceX will manage payments and connectivity, while hosts focus on setup and managing user access.

The program is actively recruiting hosts through an interest form available in dozens of countries, including the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This initiative could significantly boost Starlink's customer growth. The satellite internet service reported reaching 12 million paid subscriptions in Q2, with consumer revenue of $2.4 billion. The Community offering aligns with trends in the "sachet economy," where short-term internet passes are already a viable option in some communities.