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Starlink Backup Plan: 5GB of Roam Data for $15 Per Month @ Starlink.com

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Starlink Backup Plan: 5GB of Roam Data for $15 Per Month @ Starlink.com
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geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 08:46 starlink.com (701 clicks)
Last edited 16/01/2025 - 11:48 by 1 other user

Recently launched in the US but with 50GB backup roam data for US$50 per month. For Australia, just got this email from Starlink.

Use your Starlink for backup connectivity at $15/mo for 5GB of Roam data.

Get back online instantly if your primary internet fails or in an emergency, while continuing to access our referral program rewards. If needed, you can buy additional Roam data in your account for $3 per GB. You can also use Roam data on the go, in-motion, internationally, and in coastal waters.

Activate your Starlink service on Backup with these steps:

  1. Log in to your account at starlink.com
  2. Go to "Your Starlinks" and click "Manage"
  3. Select "Activate Service" and choose the "Backup" option

Perfect for those with a Starlink Mini for on the go or Starlink Standard Kits for home.

Referral Links

Referral: random (102)

The referrer and referee receives bonus credit for a month of standard service, 30 days after the referee activates and keeps their Starlink. Referrals will only issue credits to Standard Plan (Residential) and Mobile Regional (Roam) subscriptions. Kits purchased from a retailer or reseller are not eligible for the referral program. No credit will be given even if a referral link was used during activation.

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Comments

    • whats up skip on 16/01/2025 - 09:01
      +3

      There wasn't a 5GB plan. The smallest roaming plan was 50GB.

      I think this is a really good option for many people or situations. I don't currently need such a service, but I would have considered it in the past. This would even be handy until the direct to mobile service becomes available in a year or two.

    • 1st-Amendment on 16/01/2025 - 09:51
      +1

      Will this become political because of VP Elmo?

      Self awareness = 0

    • Save Medicare on 16/01/2025 - 10:01
      -3

      According to the NBC documentary "The West Wing", which ran for 7 seasons from the late 90s to early 2000s, the VP doesn't actually have that much power where it comes to policy making

      • jimwyze on 16/01/2025 - 10:20
        +1

        Cool, thanks for the info

      • incipient on 16/01/2025 - 10:21
        +7

        I think we're more looking at a "yes minister" scenario here.

    • niggardly on 16/01/2025 - 10:32

      JD Vance?

  • dekekun on 16/01/2025 - 09:00
    +1

    Doesn't look like you can order a kit with this plan selected as of yet - so maybe only available to existing customers?

    • DrKB108 on 16/01/2025 - 09:02

      Yes it’s targeted.

    • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 09:24
      +2

      You would need to buy the kit from a retailer (JB, HN, OW, BW) and then activate the plan.

      You would also probably, sign up for 50GB Roam and then change to the backup plan before official activation of the 50GB Roam.

      • killingtime on 16/01/2025 - 10:39

        You can't if you order directly. You can change plans after the first month but the plan starts immediately when you first switch it on or 30 days (if you don't switch it on). I just tried it last week

        • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 10:51

          I just tried it last week

          But the backup plan has only been available from today? I've been keeping an eye out and it hasn't been available prior to today.

          • killingtime on 16/01/2025 - 12:08

            @geekcohen: That's true but even before today there has been more than one plan.

            I signed up with a residential plan on the mini instead of the roam (I know it shouldn't be possible. I don't know if I found a loophole/bug with their website). I tried to switch to the roam before activating but it's not possible. It activated immediately with the residential plan I chose when I bought it

  • easternculture on 16/01/2025 - 09:07
    -2

    Not enough to WFS

    • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 09:34

      WFS? Do you mean WFH?

      • frugalferret on 16/01/2025 - 09:43
        +16

        Work from space

        • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 10:19
          +1

          If you're looking to work remotely—whether from space, home, on the road, or anywhere else—this plan isn’t for you. I recommend choosing our Unlimited plan instead.

          This option is purely meant as a backup solution for situations like bushfires, camping trips with no phone service, or NBN outages.

    • hopper on 16/01/2025 - 10:20

      workFromShip

  • digitalane on 16/01/2025 - 09:26

    If you could get this with a Mini I’d get it for infrequent use when travelling

    • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 09:30
      +4

      You should be able to. Yes you can, I can change my Mini on Unlimited Roam to the 15GB Backup Plan.

      • digitalane on 16/01/2025 - 09:51

        That’s great. If I buy from Starlink direct is there a minimum term? The hardware is half the price from starlink

        • willoz on 16/01/2025 - 09:54
          +2

          you just need to activate for 1 month

          • digitalane on 16/01/2025 - 09:56

            @willoz: Awesome. And do you think there’s a way to do that on Backup rather than the Roam at $80?

        • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 10:09

          No Minimum Term, month to month.

          Just sign up to the Roam $80 and then change it before activating (like powering it up). That should work.

          • digitalane on 16/01/2025 - 10:10

            @geekcohen: Great think as - it seems I can use a referral code for the first month free anyway on Mini Roam? If so i will do that and then downgrade plan subsequently.

            • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 10:12

              @digitalane: Not really. The free month is pay the 1st month, get the 2nd month free. The free month isn't the first month.

              • digitalane on 16/01/2025 - 10:15
                +3

                @geekcohen: Aha - makes sense - i wonder what would happen if you use a referral, order the Mini on Roam, change to Backup before activating…….

                I might try and be the Guinea pig!

      • serideth on 16/01/2025 - 11:12
        +1

        It's a 5GB plan for $15. 15GB would've been nice though.

        • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 11:15

          Yeah, sorry typo. I think 5GB is a bit small, would be better for 10 or 15GB for say $20 to $25 a month.

    • bcYield on 16/01/2025 - 11:56

      Carrying a starlink kit just for the 5GB data? I'd get a (free) sim. Much more convenient tho required to activate the sim. Coverage wise should be ok unless I travel very far.

      • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 12:14
        +1

        A Starlink Mini is small and would go perfectly in the emergency bucket containing that first aid kit and other little supplies.

        It's perfect for when we have those major storms and it knocks out telecommunications. For example, Starlink provided me with phone and internet comms during the February 2024 VIC Storm. Had no power for 36 hours, phone towers went down due to batteries going flat locally until they got generators onsite. Only had SOS in most cases or nothing at all. Generator with networking equipment and Starlink running.

        I've also had cases where Starlink has been better than 4G even in a relatively built up area. Got a notification on my phone someone was at the front door, 4G was taking forever, turned on WiFi and my Starlink in the car was faster and came up instantly showing me a delivery person at the front door.

  • Mousie123 on 16/01/2025 - 09:28

    This option needs to be tested first to be of any value after finding out if the updates are included in allowance. And total up / down?

    • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 09:32
      +1

      Updates I would assume are excluded. Just like visiting the Starlink.com website and your account is excluded even if your subscription is paused or Starlink Kit not activated/linked to a subscription.

      You can find expected Starlink Speeds via a Gen 3 here. Mini is about 50% lower for download, like 150mbps, but it's still enough for on the go/camping/emergencies.

  • Mousie123 on 16/01/2025 - 09:51

    Oops spoke too soon, updates are excluded.

    • MKBHD on 16/01/2025 - 10:08

      What do you mean by updates?

      • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 10:09
        +2

        Software Updates to the Router/Dish.

        • MKBHD on 16/01/2025 - 10:10

          So you don't get vulnerabilities patched? I never knew that was a thing with Starlink on certain plans, seems dodgy.

          • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 10:13
            +2

            @MKBHD: I think you are confused. Updates are excluded from the Bandwith count. You still get the updates, but they are no counted towards the 5GB bandwidth.

            • MKBHD on 16/01/2025 - 10:14
              +1

              @geekcohen: Got it. Updates happen but excluded from the data allowance of 5GB. Very confusing indeed. But thank you.

              • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 10:15
                +1

                @MKBHD: Exactly. Even if you have a kit in the cupboard, it is recommended to boot it up and connect every couple of months to get the latest updates and avoid it getting to far behind. There are concerns around on Reddit if you leave it too long, then the unit might not work.

                • MKBHD on 16/01/2025 - 10:19
                  +1

                  @geekcohen: Brilliant, thank you. Seriously considering ordering a mini as a backup to the NBN. Even if I have it hooked up mostly to the roof of my Tesla, it's only $5 more than the premium connectivity which I then won't need. Hmmm.

                  • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 10:29
                    +2

                    @MKBHD: The $15 plan makes it enticing for sure and the hardware being on special at the moment makes it worth it.

                    I only got a Mini because of the special, I wasn't going to pay RRP for it.

                    • MKBHD on 16/01/2025 - 10:31
                      +2

                      @geekcohen: I'll order a mini on unlimited plan. Would like to you use your referral as a thank you, please DM ☺️
                      Will be $195 for first month then the second month free. Will cancel NBN for 2 months to make the most out of it. Will see how it goes after that.

                      • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 10:35

                        @MKBHD: DM Done.

                        Good luck! Depending on your NBN Technology, Starlink might be better.

  • Antmid on 16/01/2025 - 09:53

    I’m on fast fixed wireless and work from home, so this could be a handy backup. Does anyone know if on the US you need to be a current client to get it? Wondering if it’ll change to something they offer outright

    • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 10:13

      Get rid of Fixed Wireless and go Starlink Full Time.

      • Antmid on 16/01/2025 - 11:40

        With new high speed plans it’s faster and cheaper than Starlink. I’ll keep it and see how reliability goes for the next 6 months. I’m regularly getting 500/30 atm for $100 a month

        • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 12:00

          Higher speeds are not available everywhere though and can still be crappy in some areas.

          500/30 is pretty good for FW, but a lot of places I am doing Starlinks are barely getting 50 down or it works okay but is crap during peak periods.

  • bleugh on 16/01/2025 - 10:03
    +1

    wow, super cheap for WFH types with the constant dropouts from our so called 'broadband' infrastructure
    we've just started running the $139 a month in parallael with our optus 'NBN' (copper) for a few months to see. already we're gonna be cancelling the optus as starlink is very reliable! - even in the storms last night were able to watch neflix / 4k content without issue, and Disney + - something that never happens with the landline / NBN
    Buy a cheap GEN2 dish off marketplace to try, just make sure you get the KIT number etc and they cancel their account

  • Geneel on 16/01/2025 - 10:03

    Wow. If this was an option when ordering the starlink mini at 299, I'd be all over it.

    • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 10:11

      Order it under the 50GB Roam and the change the plan before activation.

      • Geneel on 16/01/2025 - 10:14

        woah! have you tried it? this is pretty cool.

        • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 10:16
          +1

          I personally haven't tried it, but others have done this before and it appears to have worked in other scenarios.

  • xtommyk on 16/01/2025 - 10:18

    So you can turn this off the plan at any time? Might be good just to buy a mini, change the plan and then pause after one month.. good backup

    • MKBHD on 16/01/2025 - 10:21
      +1

      This is what I am also considering. The mini will easily sell in marketplace for $200 if it goes unused at any stage.

      • xtommyk on 16/01/2025 - 10:23

        Just thinking of the use cases. Probably if the nbn goes down or go camping remotely. Not sure what else. In saying that neither of those situations have happened but always good being prepared.

        • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 10:26

          Exactly what I have mine on the roof for. If primary internet goes out, its setup as a failover so automatically happens.

          But for others, if NBN is out for ages, Storm Damage, Power Outage, a Mini is perfect with the backup plan.

          You can always upgrade, downgrade base on usage. So you can have a Mini on Backup and always upload to Roam 50GB or Unlimited and back again. My sister had my Mini over New Years when she was away, used all the 50GB and upgraded to Unlimited. Then paused it when she returned it to avoid a new billing month.

    • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 10:23
      +1

      Yes, you can pause your service; however, your payment covers the entire billing period. For example, my billing cycle runs from the 13th to the 12th each month, so when I activate my Mini plan, I'm charged a pro-rated amount until the end of that cycle. To avoid a new charge, be sure to pause before your current billing period ends.

      Please note that there are no pro-rated refunds or credits if you pause midway through a billing period.

      • xtommyk on 16/01/2025 - 10:24

        Thats fair enough

  • Pudina Chutney on 16/01/2025 - 10:22

    Can I use it on a plane?

    • samfisher5986 on 16/01/2025 - 10:25
      +3

      Yes, you just need a window large enough, try the cockpit window at the front.

    • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 10:28

      Yes. But on a Commercial Plane, you would need a window. It has been tried before, cannot find the video/link at the moment.

  • digitalane on 16/01/2025 - 10:35

    Impossible question i know - but do we envisage the Mini will be cheaper than the current promo price ($333 delivered) any time soon? I don’t need this now, but given the offer - happy to buy it and keep it in a draw until I do…..

    • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 10:39

      Its the only time is has been this low since its release in Australia in August 2024. Could it be lower in the future? Yes possibly, the Standard Kit has been lower in the past. It has been $299 + Delivery, currently $359 + Delivery for Regional Areas.

      Starlink appears to do specials every 3 to 6 months and there is no word of when it is a bit random. It just gets posted on the website and then OzBargain pretty quickly.

      • digitalane on 16/01/2025 - 11:44
        +1

        Yeah that’s what I was thinking - i think for $333 its a bit of a bargain personally

  • jaimex2 on 16/01/2025 - 10:37

    Cruise ships charge like $50 a day for Internet, this would be ideal if it worked there.

    • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 10:39

      It can but apparently some Cruise Companies have it on the ban list.

  • jaimex2 on 16/01/2025 - 10:37

    So if you have the $300 Dishy mini you can get this?

  • Zitane on 16/01/2025 - 10:42

    please correct me if i'm wrong, but here's what i'm picking up:

    1. buy the mini with the roaming 50gb $80 plan - $299 + 33 delivery = $333 today
    2. get the router, don't turn it on, but go to your starlink account, then change the plan to $15/month 5gb roaming plan
    3. start up the router and your'e set
    4. mini can receive software updates, but data from the updates are counted as part of the 5gb plan
    5. data can be used internationally (if available)
    6. extra data can be bought for $3/gb and can be done via your starlink account online
    7. need to have access to a clear sky (…or the pilots window in a plane)
    8. wifi will be limited, but can be connected to another router via ethernet to extend wifi coverage
    9. unlikely to be able to price match with other retailers - bunnings have def said no go

    anything i missed out guys?

    • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 10:47

      Pretty much on the money. But the below.

      data can be used internationally (if available)

      Yes, but only within 2 month periods. You cannot travel OS for 6 months, you would need to change your primary address. Like on a boat scenario

      extra data can be bought for $3/gb and can be done via your starlink account online

      Kind of. You just toggle the opt-in for the $3 per GB, and then whatever you use, you are billed. It isn't like you go and buy a 10 GB top-up. If you think you are going to need more, you can do a pro rata upgrade to 50GB, then if you use more, pro rata upgrade again to Unlimited.

      At the end of the billing month, downgrade before your new month back to the backup plan.

      wifi will be limited, but can be connected to another router via ethernet to extend wifi coverage

      Define limited? It does about 150 meter radius. My sister said it was working 150m from her camp site on top of the caravan when she was at the pool. This was on a Mini as well. Standard Kit would probably do the same if the router was outside the caravan.

      My Gen 3 is in my ute canopy and it does about 150m range when a canopy window/door is open.

    • Hyena on 16/01/2025 - 11:11

      Yes I want to know if this is possible too - to just have the $15 plan
      I'm currently paying for the cheapest boost 365 day sim to monitor cameras on an offgrid rural property. Telstra 4G used to be good but has progressively gone to shit (works fine for calls but data is super intermittent) so this would be a better option, and cheaper long term.

      • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 11:14

        Whats the data usage of the cameras? I would assume it would use the 5GB easily.

        Yeah, you can have the $15 backup plan, but you just need to do a work around to get it.

        • Hyena on 16/01/2025 - 11:20
          +1

          Not much, only a few gb per month. They aren't streaming, just sending motion alerts so I only use data if/when I stream any locally recorded video after an alert.
          What's the work around - sign up for the 50gb plan and then switch to the 5gb one ?

          • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 11:24
            +1

            @Hyena:

            What's the work around - sign up for the 50gb plan and then switch to the 5gb one ?

            Correct.

    • digitalane on 16/01/2025 - 11:47
      +1

      Exzcactly what I’m planing to do - no harm trying with a referral code too - you might get nothing, you might get $15 back in month 2 - you might even get $80 back in month 2!!

  • Protractor on 16/01/2025 - 11:48

    Elon will have everyone in his net soon, one way or another. Can Starlink access any data at all from ppl using the gear?

    • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 11:54

      Can Starlink access any data at all from ppl using the gear?

      Like what? Web traffic etc? I believe Starlink uses CloudFlare's DNS, I'm not sure if Starlink can see stuff directly though.

      But they can access and see the hardware/equipment etc. They can see your connected devices etc when fault finding if you submit a ticket.

  • netjock on 16/01/2025 - 12:00

    Obviously demand is not high as they expected. They are lucky China isn't coming into this space.

    I expect for 5GB the price would be cheaper but obviously it is again cutting out the indicator stalk and pocketing the savings type of deal for Starlink.

    • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 12:01

      Obviously demand is not high as they expected

      Demand is high because areas like SE QLD are "sold out" for Starlink Residential.

      I think it is more about the service offering where people only want Starlink for a backup but won't pay $80 a month for the 50GB.

      • netjock on 16/01/2025 - 12:07

        If you think SEQ is representative of the whole country. You check the map right？That is like saying because there is a traffic jam in one intersection the whole city is at a grinding halt.

        Don't take it personally.

        • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 12:10

          Not saying it represents the entire country, but it is an example. Looks like some parts of WA is also the same.

          It just goes to show that there is high demand in some areas, and it will only grow around the country.

          I am just providing an argument point to your

          Obviously demand is not high as they expected

        • Protractor on 16/01/2025 - 12:10
          +1

          I would say SEQ is representative of the whole country. Just not this one.

  • bcYield on 16/01/2025 - 12:11

    A good option but 5GB/m is really restricted in usage. I buy starlink kit to feel the fast speed and not to limit myself. But $3 per extra GB seems to be cheaper than a phone provider ($10/GB?). The thing is I will have to pay for both…

    • Randolph Duke on 16/01/2025 - 12:29
      +1

      It's almost like 5gb/m is for usage as a backup plan for another service.

  • adabesi on 16/01/2025 - 12:11

    Is the 5gb plan stated anywhere on the Oz website?
    Can't find it on the NZ site, so don't want to pull the trigger if its just available in Oz for now.

    • geekcohen on 16/01/2025 - 12:17
      +1

      Only available via the backend, cannot see it publicly on the site from what I can see.

      It was available in the US first with a 50GB plan. I would say not in NZ yet……

      • adabesi on 16/01/2025 - 12:20
        +1

        Thanks Cohen for confirming :)
        More than likely won't be in NZ yet then, Will reach out to existing Roam users on NZ forum and see if they have the option under the app

  • DingoBlue on 16/01/2025 - 12:42
    +1

    Whoa I was literally just about to install a 4G/5G antenna on my roof for backup (for fibre, ironically).

  • Roe Jogan on 16/01/2025 - 13:00

    u still need the dish, what has been ATL on the hardware?
    also 5gb is not even 1hr of youtube these days.. its terrible, forget netflix or any video, its purely for visiting ozbargain when ur internet is out and you lost your phone. lol honestly i cant see a scenario where this would be a better option than using your mobile as a hot spot in the case of a outage. maybe somewhere in the bush with no mobile connectivity.

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