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Starlink Blocks Road Trips on Budget Plan
7 Mar
Summary
- SpaceX removed Starlink's in-motion use for Standby Mode.
- The cheapest plan previously allowed satellite internet while driving.
- Users must now pay more for Roam plans to restore mobile connectivity.
SpaceX has discontinued the in-motion use of Starlink satellite internet for its $5 per month Standby Mode plan. This change, observed by subscribers recently, means the cheapest Starlink option no longer supports connectivity while a vehicle is moving.
The Standby Mode, introduced in August, offered unlimited data with capped speeds at 500Kbps, making it an economical choice for intermittent internet needs. Many customers found it particularly useful for road trips and in remote locations, especially when paired with the portable Mini dish.
To restore the in-motion capability, customers must now subscribe to the pricier Roam plan, which starts at $50 monthly. This shift has led to user dissatisfaction, with some considering returning their equipment. SpaceX has not officially commented on the change, though a support page indicates Standby Mode was not intended for mobile use.
Additionally, SpaceX recently imposed a 100 mph speed cap on its Roam and Priority plans, impacting use in small aircraft. New, more expensive Aviation plans have been introduced for these users.
