Starlink, the satellite internet network developed by SpaceX, has introduced new out-of-region fees for users who activate their Starlink devices outside the country they originally ordered them in. If you buy a Starlink kit and try to activate it outside the region you bought it in, you’ll be charged $200 to $300 depending on the kit you buy. The activation fee for a standard kit is $200, while the activation fee for a Starlink Mini is $300.
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Starlink has long been battling resellers who buy Starlink kits in supported countries, then import and sell them in non-supported countries. Resellers activate the products before selling them, and sometimes act as middlemen to help customers pay monthly premiums. Such kits are also subject to out-of-area fees.
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To avoid the fee, users must activate Starlink in the same region where they placed their order.
The fees are the latest in Starlink’s battle with resellers.
There’s something of a black market for Starlink devices all over the world, in part because Starlink’s coverage area spans nearly the entire globe: the company has already launched more than 6,000 satellites into orbit, with more on the way, bringing internet to places where traditional ISPs aren’t available.
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Due to local government and laws, Starlink will not be supported everywhere. Some areas will still be prohibited from using Starlink until a contract is signed between Starlink and the local government. However, this will not prevent people in unsupported areas from getting Starlink.
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Starlink is seeking regulatory approval to operate in as many countries as possible. Earlier this year, SpaceX warned that it would cut off Starlink access in unauthorized territories and mobile regional roaming customers who are away from their home region for more than two months. Starlink is also considering discontinuing its mobile global plans.
