SpaceX Offers Starlink Hardware for $1 Through New Trial Offer

SpaceX is trying to entice more users to try out Starlink with a new “$1 for 30 days” trial.

The company normally charges $599 upfront for first-time subscribers, which includes the new “V4” dish and Wi-Fi router. But through the trial program on Starlink.com, eligible customers only need to pay $1 for the Starlink kit initially. The $599 fee will only kick in 30 days after the Starlink dish has been first activated, giving consumers more time to consider becoming a full-fledged user of Starlink before paying for the hardware.

(Starlink.com)

On the downside, if you aren’t happy with Starlink, then you’ll need to pay the full shipping costs to return the Starlink dish. The other condition is that a customer will still need to pay the $120-per-month service fee to receive Starlink connectivity during the 30-day trial period. But SpaceX will refund the service fee if the consumer decides to return the dish during the trial, according to a company support page. 

The company is offering the trial program in select US states, such as North Carolina, for new users interested in the standard plan. It arrives as SpaceX has been expanding sales for Starlink by selling refurbished dishes for $399.

The new trial program could help SpaceX attract more customers. Previously, consumers could return a Starlink dish for full refund within a 30-day period, but they had to pay the $599 hardware cost and internet fee upfront. 

In addition to select US states, the $1 for 30 days trial program is available to new customers in Australia and New Zealand. The company has also been selling Starlink dishes through Home Depot, which has a more generous 90-day return policy.