• long running

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

820

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

The Backup plan can be paused and confirmed here


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 (109)

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.

Related Stores

Starlink
Starlink

Comments

    • +1

      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.

    • It depends. You could use your own router / firewall and a VPN so that all your traffic was encrypted.

    • +1

      Starlink has a contract with the US guv (that is the three letter agencies and military) to use it for surveillance. So I wouldn't be expecting any privacy. Probably has many other countries doing the same especially the 5 Eyes of which Au is one (or we may just get data forwarded via the USA).

      • Pretty sure all our personal data ( handled by the fed govt ) is safely tucked away in Americas safe and friendly non-opportunistic mitts

        • +1

          Is that sarcasm or your perception?

          • @skysurfer: It aint sarcasm, I think it's a contractual obligation, because 'we could not possibly secure our own data' /s

            Much like AUKUS we must forgo have capitulated our sovereignty,
            to demonstrate loyalty.

            • +2

              @Protractor: It's in a separate database here, but yep the yanks & all 5eyes have carte blanch access don't need a warrant nor anything, they have direct backdoor access.

              And all of these ISP's & telcos are obligated by Aus federal gov to log & keep all your data for at least 2 years, and provide it when required. VPN providers don't have that obligation.

  • -1

    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.

    • +2

      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.

      • 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.

        • +2

          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

        • +2

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

    • China launched the first 10 spacecraft in a planned constellation of 13,000 Internet satellites in December 2024. China orbits first Guowang Internet satellites, with thousands more to come.

      • But everyone is going to wait for 10 years like Chinese BEVs to make sure you can get parts.

    • I guess the word ‘Obviously’ is satire because your comment is complete speculation. Who really knows there motivations, but this deal could give casual users a way to retain the service for emergencies, as a backup or maybe just to take $15pm from your pocket while dish sits in your closet. FYI the stalk removal wasn't cost cutting, they even brought it back in the new Model Y Turns out they listen to customers when it comes to building the best selling car in the world.

      • -2

        I am just here for the Tesla / Elon apologist comments.

        I never seen so many people justify the actions of one man based on pure speculation.

        If you can sell it for $10k you'd just sell it for $5 and let everyone else speculate on what the motivations are.

  • 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…

    • +5

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

    • Starlink "backup" annual cost $15x12=$180 for 5GBx12=60GB of data.

      If you're in a good mobile coverage area, several annual mobile plans offer more data for less cost, e.g. Catch connect $119 for 120GB, with ongoing cost of $150/year.

      So cheaper than Starlink, double the data. No monthly limit on how much of the 120GB you can use. And if you run out of data before the 12 months is up, cancel the plan and get a similar plan from a different provider.

      • Pretty sure most people looking at getting this are going far away from reception, or at least to many of the fringes.

        • +1

          There's a lot of Australia with unreliable FW or FTTN NBN, who also have reasonable mobile coverage. For example plenty of small businesses, who need a backup if their NBN goes dead, perhaps due to flooding from heavy rain.

          I'm just pointing out an alternative to Starlink, which is probably suitable for many, and better value.

          Mobile data probably isn't cost-effective for a business as the main connection to the internet, due to high data usage. But 120GB could be suitable for a week or so, by which time the FW or FTTN NBN may be working again.

  • 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.

    • +2

      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……

      • +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

  • +1

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

  • 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.

    • +1

      u still need the dish, what has been ATL on the hardware?

      Correct. ATL is $299 for the Mini

      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.

      Major storm and power outage

      • good point but doesn't the dish need power to run?

        • +3

          Yes, but post people have a power station or generator. Plus the Mini can work via 12V so it can run in a car or via a large powerbank.

    • +2

      also 5gb is not even 1hr of youtube these days.. its terrible, forget netflix or any video

      Of course, but I wouldn't think people are really worried about streaming when there is a major outage.

      its purely for visiting ozbargain when ur internet is out and you lost your phone

      What are you browsing on then?

  • Can the $15 plan be turned on/off when needed.

    If so, would be great for camping!

    • +3

      Yes, it can be paused. I just checked with my Mini and it can be paused.

  • +4

    This + hardware discount tipped me over the edge. Ordered a Mini for backup and camping. Thanks OP!

    • +2

      That’s the deal! Very good offer

  • Would the mini work on an apartment balcony? You can see the sky but not looking straight up.

    • +2

      Yes, but you could get issues with obstructions. It would work, but expect some drop outs.

      • Perhaps one could extend a telescopic mount when the reception is bad.

  • $3 per GB? You might be better off booking a hotel in you have an outage.

  • +2

    This is good timing. My sister is about to finally get FTTP, and move their business back to their house. They were going to get rid of starlink, but I think now they should keep it with this plan, and I'll upgrade them to new Unifi cloud gateway ultra which supports multiple wan services. That way if NBN drops out then they have something the business can use during the outage. Just need to work out how to block the kids from watching youtube while on the starlink haha

    • +1

      Just need to work out how to block the kids from watching youtube while on the starlink

      Depending on other network activity, this could be the least of the problems.

      I have Starlink as a failover and in MTD, its used 35GB because of other network connectivity (NVR backups probably don't help). If it is a business backup, maybe consider the 50GB Roaming to provide a bit of extra bandwidth, thats only $80 a month.

      I guess it depends also how often NBN goes out. And the thing is, if you do a failover, they might not know it has failed over unless they have the Ubiqitui App and get the notifications. But even then, they are not always instant. It could be a min or two before I get "Secondary internet was briefly used". I was none the wiser it had failed over!

      But overall, it is a highly requested and discussed topic to do different routing and firewall rules for WAN services. For example, only make this device use WAN2 and not WAN1. Or only apply x Firewall to WAN2.

  • +1

    Can someone clarify that I can access the account before the package arrived because I don't have account with starlink and I can't create without dish,tnx

    • +2

      You need to order a kit to get an account. When you order the kit, you will have an account login which will usually be your email address (username).

      You cannot create just an account without ordering anything first. Unless maybe a friend invites you to be a contact on their account first.

      • +1

        Thank you,one more question after I order a kit can I have access into account before the package arrived or after arriving because I want to order with 50gb plan but I want to pause before activation and activate with backup plan.

        • +2

          Yes. As soon as you place the order, your account is created and you can make adjustments (or order extra parts). So yes.

          You have 30 days to pause the plan before it automatically activates anyway. So it isn't something immediately required, you have 30 days.

          • +2

            @geekcohen: Excellent thank you very much for your time and help 😊

        • "goranoh" how long after you ordered did your accound show "Pending" for or how long did you need to

          wait before you could "Pause" your service ?

          • +1

            @ozhunter68: In my account was showing active not pending,I ordered the starlink mini kit with the roaming plan 50gb,few days later I received the box I login to my starlink account and I click pause so…you can pause any time.

            • +1

              @goranoh: That's good to know you had no issues pausing the roaming 50gb plan so easily. My order is still

              pending 34 hrs in, and another Ozbargainer told me they switched from the roaming 50gb plan to the

              5gb backup plan within first week, and that triggered their activation and start of their billing month.

              They also warned me data get's used up super quick, they just ran a few speed tests and somehow

              almost used up their 5 gb already, go figure ? Glad you had better result, so far…..

  • +1

    so i have the mini arrived now.
    Does anyone know what I do to get the $15 plan? As I don't see it listed.
    Do I cancel the current plan before starting it up? or do I turn it on and start using it first, then cancel?

    • +4

      figured it out. i just paused it ( without starting it up or activating anything ) then I could see the option to unpause it with the $15 plan

      • +1

        Good to know! Haven’t pulled through trigger yet but likely will before end of month

        • Have you pulled the trigger yet? I have just read through this blog, been tempted but stalling myself for over

          a week, but after more reading here pretty keen as you can pause before activation, then switch to the $15

          plan untill further notice. I wonder if it was paused and switched to $15 plan and still not used, could you

          chage it back to the 50gb plan later? If so, would you then still get your second month free if signed up

          using the referral link (trying to cover all bases lol)?

  • Is there any way to leave the service paused and then automatically kick in when required?

    • +1

      Like, when you turn on the Starlink, it automatically starts? No. But even if Starlink is paused and turned on, you can access the Starlink website and enable the service.

  • +1

    Does anyone know what happens if I pause a plan and the region is sold out (or maxed out like Brisbane and Pert)? Can I reinstate residential service?

    • No. If the region is sold out, you cannot sign up for a residential service.

  • @geekcohen how long you can keep the service on pause do you know?tnx

    • +1

      As long as you want. I know someone who uses it once a year for two weeks and then it is paused. I've also seen on reddit, that some people have had it on pause for ages and Starlink emails them offering to buy their equipment back. I think it was more Gen 2 era.

      • +2

        Thank you for everything 😊

  • +3

    Hi Guys,

    FYI I believe that if you order the mini and then pause the "roam plan" and change to "backup plan" (or leave it paused) you will be charged the $300 "regional savings" as another charge on your account.

    I initially paused the 50GB Roam Plan ($80p/m) with plans to just use the 5GB Backup Plan ($15p/m) as needed but saw:

    Note: Customers that received a "Regional Savings" on their order will be billed for the amount of the original savings. Learn more.

    It then states:

    Policies Applicable to Customers Receiving "Regional Savings":

    • Customers who change their service address to an area that is not a designated regional savings area will be billed the amount of the regional savings.
    • Customers may not transfer a Starlink Kit to another user until 120 days after the order is placed or 90 days after activation of the Starlink Kit, whichever > comes first.
    • Customers who cancel their Starlink service within the 30-day trial period, do not return the Starlink Kit, and do not pay for their first month of service will > automatically be billed for the amount of the regional savings.
    • Customers will not be permitted to change their service plan for 6 months after the date the order is placed, unless they contact support and agree to pay the > regional savings.

    I confirmed with the chat bot that making this change will incur the $300 fee, ie:

    Q: Hi, I've recently purchased a starlink mini with "regional savings" in Australia. I paused the roam plan and instated the "backup" plan instead so that I can test it before putting a full plan on. I read the page "What are regional savings?" and it mentioned that if the plan was cancelled, I'd be charged the full savings amount. Can I please clarify if that applies to me because I changed from roam to backup? If that is the case, I'm happy to change back to the $80 roam plan so that I am not billed the full $300 savings.

    A: Based on the information provided, if you received "Regional Savings" for your Starlink Mini purchase in Australia, you are subject to certain policies. Specifically, customers who received "Regional Savings" are not permitted to change their service plan for 6 months after the order is placed, unless they contact support and agree to pay the regional savings.

    In your case, changing from the Roam plan to the Backup plan could be considered a change in service plan. Therefore, if you wish to avoid being charged the full savings amount, you might need to revert to the original Roam plan. Here are the steps you can take:

    Log into your Starlink account on the Starlink website or app.
    Navigate to the Subscription section and select "Manage" under the "Service Plan" box.
    Click on "Change Plan" and select the Roam plan you were originally on.
    Confirm the change to ensure it takes effect immediately.

    Paying $80 p/m for 6 months = $480
    vs
    Paying a once-off $300 fee for breaching the regional savings scheme policies

    I'm going to leave it and see what happens, maybe they won't hit me with the $300 fee ;)

    • +1

      Any updates on this at all? Cheers!

      • Damn. Was so close to pulling the trigger on this deal and switching to the $15 plan and pausing, but now I read

        this comment. I wonder if you leave it with the 50gb/$80 roaming plan (get 2 months for $80 if using the referral

        code link), you could then pause it and just wait before using/needing the remaining 4/5 months in order to fullfill

        the 6 month minimum term?

        • +2

          No updates sorry guys. I’m just going to run the gauntlet and see how it goes. I expect I’ll get stung with the $300 fee after 30 days but who knows. Will report back.

          • +1

            @kcslb92: Problem is, the deal ends in a few days. We will hear or find out when it's too late unfortunately.

            Well,…..sometimes it's worth it to take risks to possibly get the discounted result lol.

          • +3

            @kcslb92: I might be wrong here- but I’m pretty sure the Mini discount ($300) is just a promotional discount and not a regional saving discount…..

            • +3

              @digitalane: this makes sense. not regional discount and doesnt state you cant change it to a different plan. This means you could potentially change to the 5gb plan and just pay for that instead.

            • +1

              @digitalane: Fantastic! I thought I was getting a “regional savings” but that must be only for full size units. That’s awesome news if that’s the case.

              It just threw me off because I paused the 50gb/$80pm plan and then when I went to activate it as 5GB/$15pm it had that warning.

              • +1

                @kcslb92: Yes i think thats right - regional saving only on the regular kit.

    • On JB website:

      Promotion starts 5/12/2024 and ends 30/1/2025. Bonus $300 account credit will be applied by Starlink to your Starlink account when you buy and activate your Starlink Mini device in Australia on a Starlink Roam plan during the promotional period (minimum plan cost $80/m). Credit applied with 2 hours of activation. You will be charged $300 by Starlink if: you cancel your plan within 30 days from activation of the device and plan, or you transfer your device to another user within 90 days of activation of the device and plan. Click here for full terms and conditions. Offer ends 30 Jan 2025

      If I cancel my plan within 30 days, I'd be charged $300. Not sure of changing the plan.

      • If you purchased from jb or other retailer and not direct from Starlink, it reads to me like there are different

        rules applied, I was also tempted to get it from jb using the $30 off perks (spending over $300, so add small

        item), but thought it bit risky as possibly not able to pause before activating, hence not getting rebate.

        Or also possibly not being able to switch over to the $15 plan without missing out on the $300 discount

        (unless leaving the $80 roaming plan active for minimum of 6 months, which negates the refund if

        you did not need/want that plan. I hope it works ordering direct from Starlink like I did ?

        Maybe contact starlink first to ask before making any changes within 6 months/90 days ?

        • +1

          Yep I was short of time last night and not fully consider all the factors.

          Like not eligible for referral bonus by buying from a retailer, not able to hold until the trip day (maybe I could have just activated on the account but not started up the kit, so the bill not started until then?)

          Not sure about the full T&Cs, but the short note on JB site only mentions "30 days cancellation", so I assume it's safe to cancel/change (or even return for a reason?) after that period. They used to offer people a free month trial or a free return before from memory so they should be kind. They want more AU customers and that here we got 2x the bonus in US.

          For me, 5GB $15 plan is not for me as I'd either need more data on the trip or pause to save $$. (Not sure but I think people can always resume the service on any day they need. Why keep the plan active tho?)

          Yep I will ask starlink to confirm and for a discount on the monthly fee as well as someone did on previous post and hope still available. $50/m is better (tho I hope cheaper) to keep if I can make more use during the trips.

          I will give it a test for the first month and plan a trip to make use of it.

          Will see what people going by around next month and decide.

          The good news is I got my bonus credit on my account now.

          The sad news is I only got 29Mbps by a quick test on a stool level last night.

          • +1

            @bcYield: Yeah, there is a lot of small print to get through and consider, some of it being bit vague or

            unclear. Pretty sure to be able to get the roaming 50gb plan for $50 pm you also need to have

            a residential service active, and also not able to pause the roaming service

            (they get you either way usually lol). As you need to keep service active for at least 30 days,

            not sure if Starlink count a month as 30 or 31 days, so if you pause/cancel on the 31st day you

            probably will be charged a second month in which case you may as well keep using till month is up.

            Hope you can work it out and make it work for you, as well as improve your speeds.

  • +3

    Thanks OP. Pulled the trigger using the referral code, and will pause the roaming 50gb/$80 plan untill I want/need that,

    or switch to the roaming 5gb/$15 back up plan instead. I wonder how long beyond 12 months

    you can leave it on pause for (still have loads of Boost/Telstra?Optus/Voda sims/data/credit to use up this year lol)

    continuously without needing to unpause/activate paid/billed service ? This will make looking for my new rental bungalow/

    shed possibly off grid and out of mobile range (even using a Quality mobile 4GX Nighthawk router with external antennas)

    later this year a lot more flexible area wise.

  • +2

    This is what I have:

    Hi! I'm a support chatbot for Starlink, and I'm here to help answer your Starlink questions.

    Question:

    Hi there,

    Recently, I bought a Starlink Mini Kit with the Roam 50GB plan during the limited time offer that ended on January 30th. There are some confusing discussions going on various forums regarding that sale. Could you please clarify to me your definitions of: 'Regional Savings' and 'Starlink Mini Savings' and IF or HOW they apply to that sale? I would like to note that I couldn't find anything about this in the 'Starlink Terms of Service' and don't recall seeing any relevant information during ordering my kit. So basically my question is: can I freely pause or change my plan without incurring additional costs? Kind regards, Bo.

    Answer:

    To clarify your questions regarding 'Regional Savings' and 'Starlink Mini Savings' and their application to the sale you participated in, here are the definitions and policies:

    Regional Savings:
        This is a one-time discount applied to the hardware price in areas where Starlink has abundant network availability.
        In Australia, the discount can range from $200 to $300 AUD.
        Customers who received Regional Savings are not permitted to change their service plan for 6 months after the order is placed, unless they contact
        support and agree to pay the regional savings.
    
    Starlink Mini Savings:
        This is a one-time discount specifically for new orders of Starlink Mini in areas with abundant network availability.
        In Australia, the discount is $300 AUD.
        Customers who change their service address to an area that is not a designated "Mini Savings" area will be billed the amount of the savings.
    

    Regarding your ability to pause or change your plan without incurring additional costs:

    Pausing Your Plan: The pause feature is available for orders purchased under "Roam" on Starlink.com with Roam 50GB or Roam Unlimited service plans. You can
    pause and un-pause your service at any time, with billing in one-month increments.
    
    Changing Your Plan:
        If you received Regional Savings, you cannot change your service plan for 6 months unless you contact support and agree to pay the regional savings.
        If you received Mini Savings, there are no specific restrictions mentioned regarding changing your plan, but you should be aware that changing
        your service address to a non-designated area will result in being billed for the savings.
    

    If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to ask or contact Starlink customer support.

    As far as I understand this, I purchased my kit under 'Starlink Mini Savings' discount.

    • +3

      You can’t buy the mini under regional savings so if you bought a mini you definitely did!

  • Anyone in SEQ who ordered the mini in last week or has an order update as mine ordered last week is still pending and

    delivery status as " prepairing shipment" My shipping address for the mini on a 50gb Roaming plan was inside the

    "sold out" SEQ/NNSW area, but I assumed that was only for residential plans as they seem to be out of bandwith/

    capacity for now to that region.

    • +1

      Anyone in SEQ who ordered the mini in last week or has an order update as mine ordered last week is still pending and
      delivery status as " prepairing shipment" My shipping address for the mini on a 50gb Roaming plan was inside the

      I bet it will be pending stock. My Gen 3 in December did the same thing. I am guessing they sold a fair few, so pending stock into the NSW DC.

      "sold out" SEQ/NNSW area, but I assumed that was only for residential plans as they seem to be out of bandwith/
      capacity for now to that region.

      Been like that for a little while. Refers to Residential only.

      • Yes, says "Pending"

        So yeah, I should just chill and be patient as it will arrive most likely in next week or more. Keen to Pause the plan as still don't need it yet haha

        • +1

          Yeah, mine was pending for over a month due to stock. You'll get a tracking notification when it is dispatched and you have 30 days to pause it as long as you don't boot it up. So you have plenty of time.

Login or Join to leave a comment