Starlink Introduces 'Standby Mode' for Postponed Projects: Understanding the Functionality
Starlink Introduces New Standby Mode for Satellite Internet Service
SpaceX has introduced a new feature for its Starlink satellite internet service called the Standby Mode. This mode replaces the previously free Pause feature and offers always-on, unlimited low-speed internet capped at 500 Kbps download and upload [1][2][3][5].
Key Details and Requirements of Standby Mode
The Standby Mode costs $5 USD per month and is available for Residential, Roam, and Priority subscribers but excludes Enterprise and promotional plans [1][5]. Subscribers activate it by selecting “Pause Current Service” in their Starlink account, which switches to Standby Mode rather than completely pausing service [1]. Reactivation to full-speed service is simple—select “Resume Service” to return to a chosen plan without demand surcharges, even in busy network conditions [1].
Standby Mode allows continued Starlink software updates and emergency connectivity, unlike the pause feature which cut off all data usage [2][3]. It is designed for temporary use up to 12 months—beyond that, Starlink may require switching to a standard plan or disconnecting internet service except for Starlink account access [3]. Unlike the old free pause feature, Standby Mode does not guarantee reserved network capacity; if the network is full upon resuming service, customers might face delays or need to change plans [1].
Comparison to the Former Pause Feature
| Feature | Pause (Free) | Standby Mode ($5/month) | |--------------------------|-------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------| | Cost | Free | $5 per month | | Data connection | Completely disconnected | Continuous low-speed connection (500 Kbps) | | Monthly billing | No billing during pause | Monthly billing applies | | Data use | No data allowed | Unlimited low-speed data | | Suitable activities | No online activity | Basic messaging, email, software updates | | Reactivation | Easy, instant | Easy, instant; no demand surcharges | | Network slot reservation | Yes | No guarantee of reserved slot | | Intended usage duration | Any length | Up to 12 months |
What Can You Do with Standby Mode?
The new Standby Mode is fast enough for text-based browsing, email, messaging apps, and Wi-Fi calling. However, video streaming or heavy media use is painfully slow with the new Standby Mode [1].
Availability and Other Changes
The Standby Mode is available in the U.S., Canada, and beyond. Starlink has recently slashed its Residential and Residential Lite monthly rates for new U.S. customers [6]. The change affects multiple Starlink hardware models, including the Roam Gen 2 and the compact Mini dish [7]. You can pause with Standby Mode on all Roam, Residential, and Priority plans [8].
[1] https://www.spacex.com/starlink [2] https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/28/23569328/starlink-standby-mode-internet-service-emergency-use [3] https://www.techradar.com/news/starlink-standby-mode-costs-5-per-month-and-offers-emergency-internet [4] https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2023/03/starlink-standby-mode-lets-you-keep-internet-for-5-a-month/ [5] https://www.engadget.com/starlink-standby-mode-140015098.html [6] https://www.space.com/starlink-lowers-monthly-cost-for-residential-lite-plans-in-us.html [7] https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/2/23595026/starlink-standby-mode-internet-service-emergency-use-cost-speed-data [8] https://www.techradar.com/news/starlink-standby-mode-costs-5-per-month-and-offers-emergency-internet#:~:text=Starlink%20has%20announced%20a%20new,months%20for%20$5%20per%20month.
In the context of the Starlink satellite internet service, Standby Mode, a new feature costing $5 USD per month, offers low-speed internet capped at 500 Kbps and allows for Starlink software updates and emergency connectivity [1][2][3][5]. Standby Mode is available for Residential, Roam, and Priority subscribers but excludes Enterprise and promotional plans [1][5]. In contrast, the previously free Pause feature completely disconnected data usage, and the new Standby Mode allows text-based browsing, email, messaging apps, and Wi-Fi calling, but video streaming or heavy media use remains painfully slow [1].
