Starlink Now Charges $5 Monthly to Pause Service: Here’s What It Means for Users

Starlink Now Charges $5 Monthly to Pause Service: Here’s What It Means for Users

SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service has quietly changed one of its most user-friendly features and customers aren’t happy. The company now charges $5 per month (or €5/month) to pause its service, a function that was previously free.

The change affects Roam, Residential, and Priority subscribers in the United States, most of Europe, and Canada though there are some exceptions. The update is framed by SpaceX as an “upgrade,” but for many, it feels more like a downgrade.

From Free Pause to Paid Standby Mode

Until now, Starlink subscribers could pause their service at no cost, an option that was especially useful for seasonal travelers, RV owners, and campers. This meant you could store your Starlink Mini away when not in use, paying nothing until you needed it again.

Now, the free pause feature is gone, replaced with a Standby Mode that costs $5/month. According to Starlink’s email to subscribers, Standby Mode provides:

• Unlimited low-speed data (around 0.5Mbps down, based on early testing)
  
• Connectivity “perfect for backup and emergencies”
  

For comparison, active Roam plans typically deliver speeds above 100Mbps.

Impact on Starlink Mini Users

The change is especially frustrating for Starlink Mini owners, who were promised a “pay as you go” experience when the portable $499 / €299 device launched. Starlink’s updated marketing still uses the phrase “pay as you go” but now with the fine print that a “small monthly fee” applies even while paused.

For those who bought a Starlink Mini for occasional summer trips, the update effectively adds $45/year in fees without adding any real value.

Canceling vs. Pausing

SpaceX says users who dislike the Standby Mode fee can cancel at no cost and restart service later. However, canceling requires visiting the website and going through a questionnaire designed to keep you from leaving.

There’s also a warning:

“You may not be allowed to reactivate in the future if your area is at capacity.”

This uncertainty makes some hesitant to cancel, even if they won’t need the service for months.

Why the Change Matters

The Starlink Mini’s portability and fast speeds have been a game-changer for travelers and remote workers. The ability to pause for free was one of its strongest selling points and removing it erodes some of that flexibility.

Some customers are now hoping for competition from Amazon’s Project Kuiper, which could offer more competitive pricing and restore a true pay-as-you-go model.

TechCity