Starlink’s New $40 / Month Plan: Big Savings, Smart Trade-Offs

SpaceX has quietly rolled out its most affordable home internet option yet in the U.S. — the “Residential 100 Mbps” plan from Starlink. For $40 per month, customers get unlimited data, unrestricted upload speeds, and a download cap of 100 Mbps. 

This new tier sits at the bottom of Starlink’s residential pricing lineup:

  • $40/month (Download capped at 100 Mbps) 

  • $80/month (up to ~250 Mbps) 

  • $120/month (400+ Mbps speeds) 

What makes the $40 plan compelling is that even though the download speed is capped at 100 Mbps, users still get unlimited data and no limits on uploads. It’s designed for smaller households or users who don’t need ultra-high throughput but do want reliable broadband. 

Of course, there are some caveats. The offer is only available in select regions in the U.S. so far—users will need to check availability for their address. Also, 100 Mbps is fine for browsing, HD streaming, video calls and everyday tasks, but might fall short if your household does heavy multi-4K streaming, big game downloads, or runs many devices simultaneously. 

From a broader perspective, this move shows how Starlink (and satellite-internet more generally) is moving from a niche “rural fix” to a more mainstream broadband alternative. By lowering its entry price, Starlink can reach more households, especially in underserved areas. It also puts competitive pressure on terrestrial ISPs, especially in regions where cable or fiber may be expensive or unavailable. 

If you’re considering signing up, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Check whether the $40 plan appears in your Starlink account or service-zone map—availability varies. 

  • Ensure your household usage matches the offer—if you regularly stream many 4K titles or download large files frequently, a higher-speed tier might be more appropriate.

  • Even though uploads are unlimited, remember that satellite-internet latency and local network conditions can still affect real-time applications like online gaming or group video calls.

  • Keep an eye on Starlink’s rollout in more regions: Today-select, tomorrow-wider-reach.

In short: Starlink’s new $40/month plan is a smart, accessible option for many households—especially those who haven’t had solid broadband or are budget-conscious. It offers a solid speed-to-cost ratio, with unlimited data and no upload cap. If you live somewhere the plan is available and your usage fits, this could be a strong value.

Leave a comment