Starlink’s Pause Option Is Now $5 a Month

Starlink has made a big change to how users can pause their service. What was once a free option has now been replaced with a paid feature called Standby Mode, which costs $5 per month.

Why This Matters

In the past, Roam and Priority plan customers could pause their service for free. This was perfect for seasonal travelers or people who didn’t need internet all the time. With the new system, users either pay the $5 standby fee or cancel their service entirely.

What Standby Mode Includes

• Always-on low-speed access: Speeds are capped at around 0.5 Mbps, which is enough for things like email, messaging apps, or Wi-Fi calling. Streaming and gaming won’t work at this speed.

• Unlimited data: Even at low speeds, data use isn’t restricted while on Standby.

• Available for residential plans too: For the first time, homeowners can now use Standby Mode. However, when you restart service, there’s no guarantee you’ll get your previous plan if the network is at full capacity in your area.

  
  

Can You Avoid the Fee?

Some users may try canceling service and reactivating later to avoid the $5 charge. While that technically works, it carries risks. If Starlink doesn’t have space in your area when you come back, you might face delays or end up on a different plan.

Starlink is also testing new activation fees on Roam plans, which would make canceling and reactivating less appealing compared to just paying the standby charge.

Pricing Changes Across the Board

This update comes alongside price cuts for several Starlink plans. The standard Residential plan has dropped from $120 to $99 in some areas, while Residential Lite has been reduced to $65 for new customers during their first year. Equipment kits are also being offered at 50% off in select regions.

How Users Are Reacting

Reactions to the change are mixed. Some people see the $5 fee as a fair price for always-on backup internet, especially since it guarantees essential connectivity when needed. Others argue it removes the flexibility Starlink was once known for, especially for those who bought Starlink Mini devices with the expectation of pay-as-you-go use.

Bottom Line

The free pause option is gone, and Standby Mode is now the only way to keep Starlink “on hold.” At $5 per month, it offers basic backup internet while giving you the ability to quickly resume full service. For light users, it may be worth it. For others, canceling and risking availability later could be the cheaper—but riskier—choice.