Starlink has updated its $50-per-month Roam plan, doubling the high-speed data allowance to 100GB per month. This change, implemented on January 13, addresses a major limitation of the service, which previously offered only 50GB. However, the update comes with a significant restriction: users will no longer be able to purchase additional high-speed data once their monthly allowance is exhausted.
The New Data Structure
After exceeding the 100GB high-speed limit, Roam customers will automatically be downgraded to “unlimited low-speed data.” Starlink defines this as speeds below 1Mbps download and 0.5Mbps upload, which is sufficient for basic tasks like email and texting, but inadequate for streaming or video calls. This means while connectivity isn’t cut off, the experience will be dramatically throttled.
Why This Matters
The Roam plan is targeted towards mobile users – campers, travelers, and those in areas with limited traditional internet access. The original 50GB cap was often insufficient for even a moderate month of use, especially given that the average US household consumes 641GB of broadband data monthly. While 100GB is an improvement, the lack of an option to buy more high-speed data forces users to either conserve aggressively or accept severely reduced speeds.
Testing and Real-World Performance
Recent tests in the North Cascades mountains demonstrated the Roam plan’s effectiveness in remote areas, achieving average speeds of 127Mbps download and 17Mbps upload with the Starlink Mini Kit. However, the data cap remained a concern. The updated 100GB allowance is likely sufficient for many camping or short-term travel scenarios, but it still falls far short of typical home broadband consumption.
Hardware Options
The Roam plan requires either the Starlink Mini Kit ($299) or the Standard Kit ($349). The Mini is specifically designed for portability, making it ideal for camping or RV use, while the Standard Kit is better suited for more stationary setups.
In conclusion, Starlink’s Roam plan upgrade offers more data, but at the cost of flexibility. The decision to eliminate additional high-speed purchases significantly alters the service’s value proposition, making it more suitable for limited, controlled use cases rather than prolonged or heavy data consumers.
