Starlink Speed Cap – SpaceX’s Starlink has introduced a harsh speed cap for customers on its Priority plan, throttling internet speeds to as low as 1Mbps download and 0.5Mbps upload once users exceed their data limits.
What’s Changing for Starlink Priority Users?
Previously, Priority plan subscribers could still access standard speeds after using up their high-speed data allotment. Now, SpaceX has eliminated this option and implemented a hard cap, dramatically reducing speeds once the monthly data is exhausted.
The Priority plan, launched in 2023, was designed to provide consistently fast satellite internet at a premium price. For instance, US customers could pay $140 per month for 40GB of Priority data. Now, if users exceed their limit, they must purchase additional data blocks to regain usable speeds.
How Much Does Extra Priority Data Cost?
To bypass the 1Mbps throttle, Priority customers will need to buy extra data:
- $25 per 50GB for Local Priority
- $125 per 500GB for bulk purchases
SpaceX appears to be pushing Priority users—mainly business customers—toward spending more on additional data blocks rather than relying on standard speeds after hitting their cap.
Do Residential and Roam Users Face the Same Restrictions?
No. Starlink Residential and Roam users can continue enjoying unlimited standard speeds under the company’s fair use policy.
New Starlink Pricing Adjustments
Alongside the speed cap, SpaceX has also made major pricing changes to the Priority plan:
- Most Priority plans have increased by $40 to $150 per month.
- The Local Priority 50GB plan was reduced to $65/month (previously $140).
- Starlink has now split Priority plans into Local Priority and Global Priority, catering to businesses needing worldwide coverage, including maritime users.
Customer Backlash Over the Changes
The new hard cap and pricing structure have sparked frustration among Starlink users, with many taking to social media to complain about the drastic speed reduction.
Would you still use Starlink’s Priority plan under these new restrictions?
