Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet network, has announced a new fee structure targeting users who activate their devices outside the country where they were initially purchased.
The new fee ranges between $200 and $300, depending on the type of Starlink kit. Users with the standard kit will face a $200 fee, while those with the Starlink Mini kit will be charged $300 if they activate the device in a different region from where it was originally ordered.
This move comes as part of Starlink’s ongoing efforts to curb unauthorised reselling of its kits.
There has been a growing issue with resellers purchasing Starlink devices in supported countries, then importing and selling them in regions where Starlink is not officially available.
These resellers often activate the devices before selling them, also managing the payment of monthly premiums for customers, effectively acting as intermediaries. The new outside region activation fee will also apply to these resold kits.
To avoid incurring this fee, Starlink advises users to activate their devices in the same region they were ordered. This approach aims to maintain the integrity of the sales and activation process, ensuring that users comply with Starlink’s regional availability policies.
The global demand for Starlink devices has led to a black market of sorts, driven by the network’s extensive coverage, which spans nearly the entire globe.
With over 6,000 satellites already launched into orbit and more on the way, Starlink provides internet access in areas where traditional ISPs fail to reach. This capability makes Starlink an attractive option for individuals in remote or underserved regions.
However, regulatory and legal restrictions have limited Starlink’s official presence in certain areas. The service is still off-limits in some regions pending agreements between Starlink and local governments. Despite these restrictions, there remains a high demand in these areas, prompting users to find alternative ways to access the service.
In response to these challenges, Starlink is actively seeking regulatory approval to operate in as many countries as possible.
Earlier this year, SpaceX, the parent company of Starlink, issued warnings about the potential deactivation of Starlink services in unauthorised regions.
Additionally, the company has been contemplating the removal of its Mobile Global Plan and imposing restrictions on Mobile Regional roaming customers who remain outside their designated home region for more than two months.
As Starlink continues to expand its satellite network and seek regulatory approvals, the new outside region fee represents a strategic effort to control the distribution and use of its devices, ensuring compliance with local laws and maintaining the sustainability of its global service model.