Starlink is raising prices for the first time since launch. The big question on subscribers' lips is why and why now? According to the company, this is happening due to reasons beyond Starlink's immediate control.

To quickly refresh you, Starlink is a SpaceX owned company focused on providing high-speed, low-latency broadband internet to communities with no or poor internet connectivity. It does this using thousands of Starlink satellites operating in low-Earth orbit.

If you're one of the 250,000 subscribers using Starlink, read on to find out more about the price change, why it's changing, when to expect the change, and how the change may affect you.

Starlink sent out an email to its subscribers base hinting at the decision to increase prices for its internet services. According to the email, inflation is to blame for the new hike in price. It reads in part: "Due to excessive levels of inflation, the price of the Starlink kit is increasing…"

Some price categories rose by up to $100 in some cases, while others increased by tens of dollars. The new prices are highlighted below.

Existing deposit holders will now need to pay an extra $50 to match the new $549 price tag for the Starlink starter kit, as opposed to the previous fee of $449. This represents an increase of over 20%, which is quite an uptick. The monthly fee is also subscription fee is also increasing, from $99 to $100.

According to the email, all new Starlink kit orders will henceforth cost $599. Come April 22, 2022, these price changes will be implemented across the board.

Starlink New Prices

Within their first year, customers are eligible for a partial refund of $200 or a full refund for kits received within the last 30-days period. Deposits can also be fully refunded.

Meanwhile, in February 2022, Starlink launched its premium service. Customers on the premium package are not affected by these price changes. Customers on the premium package continue to enjoy Starlink services at the old prices of a $500 refundable deposit, $2,500 for hardware (antenna and router), and $500 monthly.

Previously, Starlink cost only $99 in refundable deposit, $499 for antenna and router, and a monthly service fee of $99.

Who Will Be Affected by the Rise in Prices and How Will It Affect You?

Nearly every Starlink user will be affected by the price change except those on the premium package. This could be a way to nudge more customers to upgrade their subscription to premium.

But, what if the inflation persists, should we expect yet another increase in Starlink prices, and by how much? Only time will tell.

If you're a Starlink user on a tight budget, things may just get tighter and may warrant the search for other viable Starlink alternatives that can offer you affordable and fast internet connectivity.

What Can You Do About the Change in Price?

With less than three weeks to a new price regime, you may want to weigh your options according to your budget. Would continuing to use Starlink lead to a significant impact on your overhead and bottom line?

Will you find a better alternative that will still get the job done at a fraction of the newly proposed prices? If yes, how about the cost of migrating your entire team to a new carrier?

If you're considering switching carriers, we've got you covered with our comprehensive comparison of Starlink and other satellite internet providers.

Most Starlink subscribers are using the service to access broadband where services aren't currently available. With these price increases, it might be worth weighing up your options again, to see if there's a cheaper alternative. Starlink remains a great service, but nobody wants to pay more when they don't need to.