Starlink Mini Flyers Facing Large Price Increase

Pilots who have been mounting a SpaceX Starlink Mini antenna as portable equipment in their aircraft have been notified by SpaceX that “the maximum supported in-motion speed for Roam and Priority Plans is 100 mph (160 km/h, 87 knots).” However, two new Starlink Aviation plans are now available for these users: Aviation 300 (261 knots) for $250 per month and 20 GB plus $10 per GB overage; and Aviation 450 (391 knots) for $1,000 per month and 20 GB plus $50 per GB overage.

According to a recent message from SpaceX to Starlink Mini users, “Your Starlink has recently been detected operating at high speeds. Your plan is intended for in-motion use on land or in water, such as driving and boating.”

Previously, Starlink Mini users were able to sign up for a Global Priority Plan, which provided 50 GB at up to 391 knots for $250 per month. There was also a Roam plan for 100 GB for $50 per month, but with a regional limitation.

Use of a portable Starlink Mini—for which a variety of aircraft mounting systems are available—has become popular for smaller aircraft and owners who don’t want to spend roughly $300,000 for equipment and installation of a Starlink system that can be installed under a supplemental type certificate. These certified systems feature an antenna mounted on top of the fuselage.