Starlink Premium - Internet Goes To Infinity & Beyond!

Starlink's new Premium Starlink Satellite dish installed on a Tesla Solar Roof. Source: Starlink (Creative Commons License).

SpaceX is known for making rockets, but it has a budding internet business named Starlink. Using satellites, SpaceX will provide fast internet service to clients worldwide. So far, the company has set up more than 2,000 satellites. However, SpaceX has announced a new service tier, known as Starlink Premium. 

What does the new plan offer, and at what cost? We examine the offering in detail in this article.

How Does Starlink Work?

SpaceX uses a network of satellites orbiting the earth at around 340 miles to beam down internet service. When the company has launched enough satellites, which it does by using its own rockets, you will be able to get a signal anywhere in the world, provided you have a receiving dish. Workers stationed at remote locations will be able to connect with their colleagues in real-time.

Starlink's new squircle dish. (Creative Commons License).

Starlink costs $99 per month after paying $499 for the dish.

Starlink Premium; What is It?

When SpaceX introduced Starlink, it said the service would have a single flat fee for everyone, making it the most uncomplicated internet service. However, the company has altered its plan as it has now revealed Starlink Premium.

If you opt for the Premium plan, you will get better performance in extreme weather conditions, priority customer support, priority service even when the network is under heavy use, and double the antenna capacity of the standard Starlink dish.

Premium subscribers will get a squircle (square-circle) shaped dish, which is different from the standard circular type. SpaceX will also bump up the connection speed to between 150 and 500 MB/s. This is a significant upgrade from the 100 to 200 MB/s offered by the standard plan.

Rectangle Starlink dish with kit WiFi-only router. Source: Starlink (Creative Commons License). 

However, there doesn’t seem to be a difference in latency when you sign up for Starlink Premium.

Premium subscribers will get a squircle (square-circle) shaped dish, which is different from the standard circular type. SpaceX will also bump up the connection speed to between 150 and 500 MB/s.

 

Who is Starlink Premium Meant For?

Starlink said the new tier is meant for clients with higher internet demands. This will include businesses and organizations with lots of staff.

How Much Does Starlink Premium Cost?

Starlink Premium costs $500 per month, but the dish attracts a one-time fee of $2,500, including shipping costs. You can place an order with a $500 deposit.

SpaceX said Premium receivers should start shipping in the second quarter of 2022.