Table of Contents
- Starlink’s Latest Move: Free Hardware for Partners
- Musk Denies Amazon Connection
- What’s Actually Changing for Customers
- Amazon Leo: The Competition That’s Still Catching Up
- Starlink’s Broader Expansion Push
- SpaceX’s xAI Merger and IPO Plans
- What This Means for You
SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service is making aggressive moves to expand its customer base, and the timing is hard to ignore. The company is now offering free hardware to distribution partners and cutting monthly service rates across multiple markets, a strategy CEO Elon Musk says is entirely about affordability — not competition.
Starlink’s Latest Move: Free Hardware for Partners
According to a report from The Information, Starlink is aggressively cutting prices and providing free hardware to its distribution partners. This comes at a time when SpaceX is preparing for a planned IPO, reportedly set for June 2026, and ahead of Amazon’s satellite broadband service finally getting closer to a commercial launch.
Starlink has been on a steady price reduction trend over the past year. Hardware costs have dropped from $599 to as low as $0 in eligible areas, and monthly plans now start as low as $49 per month in select U.S. markets. The Starlink Mini has also seen deep cuts, dropping to $199 — its lowest price ever.
Check your address to see current Starlink pricing and promotions
Musk Denies Amazon Connection
Responding to speculation that these moves are timed to counter the arrival of Amazon’s satellite service (now branded Amazon Leo, formerly Project Kuiper), Musk pushed back directly on social media platform X.
“This has nothing to do with Kuiper, we’re just trying to make Starlink more affordable to a broader audience,” Musk said. He emphasized the goal of reaching underserved populations: “The lower the cost, the more Starlink can be used by people who don’t have much money, especially in the developing world.”
Whether the timing is coincidental or strategic, the result is clear: satellite internet is becoming more accessible and affordable than ever before.
What’s Actually Changing for Customers
Starlink’s recent pricing updates have been significant. Here is a snapshot of what is available in many U.S. markets right now:
| Feature | Current Offer |
|---|---|
| Standard Kit | $0 upfront in eligible areas (rental), or $279–$349 to purchase |
| Starlink Mini | Starting at $199 |
| Residential Lite | Starting at $59/mo in select areas |
| Standard Residential | Starting at $85/mo in select areas |
| Residential 100 Mbps | Starting at $40/mo (limited markets) |
| Free Professional Install | Available in select areas |
Pricing and plan availability vary significantly based on your address. Some areas include a 12-month commitment to receive the free hardware, while others are month-to-month. Congestion surcharges may apply in high-demand areas.
Amazon Leo: The Competition That’s Still Catching Up
While Starlink is accelerating its lead, Amazon’s satellite broadband project is running into real challenges. Amazon Leo (rebranded from Project Kuiper in November 2025) recently filed with the FCC for a 24-month extension to its satellite deployment deadline.
Here is where things stand:
- Starlink: Over 9,000 active satellites, serving more than 10 million subscribers in 155 countries
- Amazon Leo: Approximately 200 satellites in orbit, with roughly 700 projected by July 2026 — well short of the 1,618 required under its original FCC license
Amazon has invested more than $10 billion in the project and secured over 100 rocket launches across multiple providers, including United Launch Alliance, Arianespace, Blue Origin, and even SpaceX. However, the company acknowledged in its FCC filing that manufacturing disruptions, launch vehicle failures, and spaceport capacity limits have prevented it from meeting the original timeline.
On the positive side, the FCC recently approved Amazon’s request to add 4,500 satellites to its planned constellation, bringing the total authorized fleet to approximately 7,700. Amazon’s satellite manufacturing facility in Kirkland, Washington can produce 30 satellites per week — the bottleneck is not production, it is getting them into orbit.
Amazon Leo is expected to begin offering commercial service to U.S. customers later this year, with broader availability planned across the U.S., UK, France, Germany, and Canada.
Starlink’s Broader Expansion Push
The price cuts and free hardware are not Starlink’s only recent moves. The company is also expanding its services across multiple fronts:
Direct-to-cell connectivity in the EU: Starlink has signed a deal with Spanish telecom operator MasOrange to begin trials for direct-to-cell service in the Spanish province of Valladolid. This follows a similar agreement with Ukrainian telecom operator Kyivstar, where testing has been underway for over a year.
In-flight Wi-Fi expansion: United Airlines announced that Starlink Wi-Fi will be available on more than 300 aircraft in its fleet, expanding an existing partnership with SpaceX.
Subscriber growth: Starlink added subscribers at a pace of roughly 14,000 per day through 2025 and has now surpassed 10 million total users globally. Analysts project that number could reach 18 million by the end of 2026.
SpaceX’s xAI Merger and IPO Plans
SpaceX recently merged with Musk’s artificial intelligence startup xAI, creating a combined entity valued at close to $1.25 trillion. The move came amid preparation for SpaceX’s planned IPO, reportedly targeted for June 2026. Starlink’s revenue now exceeds SpaceX’s rocket launch revenue, with gross margins expected to reach 25% by the end of this year.
What This Means for You
If you have been considering Starlink, the current pricing is the most aggressive we have seen. Free hardware offers, reduced monthly rates, and expanded plan options mean more choices at lower cost than ever before. Availability and pricing are address-specific, so the first step is always checking what your location qualifies for.
For customers who already have Starlink and want to get more out of their connection — especially for failover, bonding, or integrating with a cellular router — Peplink routers remain one of the best options for managing Starlink alongside a cellular WAN. The Peplink B One 5G gives you dual WAN support, SpeedFusion bonding, and full control over how your traffic routes between Starlink and cellular. If you need help selecting the right setup for your situation, contact us — it is what we do.
Related Posts:
- Starlink Promo: Free Hardware and Free Installation, Check Your Address to Qualify
- Peplink Starlink Integration: How Peplink Gives You More Control Over Starlink Connectivity
- Amazon Leo vs Starlink: How Amazon’s New LEO Constellation Could Change Satellite Internet
- Fixing Dropped Calls with Starlink & Peplink Routers
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