Satellite internet provider Starlink has started requiring new customers in the United States to pay a monthly fee to rent its standard hardware kit.
Under the new structure, US residential customers pay $10 per month to lease equipment that includes a satellite dish, Wi-Fi router, power supply and cables. The rental option is limited to one kit per account and is available only in select countries for now. Customers retain the choice to buy the hardware outright, with prices typically ranging from $200 to $350 depending on the model. A one-time activation fee also applies to rental plans, though the exact amount varies by region. Renters cannot pause service and must cancel their subscription to stop use. They have seven days from delivery to return the kit in good condition or face charges for the full equipment cost. Starlink is a division of SpaceX, which has filed to go public with its initial public offering scheduled for June 12.
