Starlink has introduced a major update to its Roam service management, replacing the once-free Pause feature with a new paid option called S...
Starlink has introduced a major update to its Roam service management, replacing the once-free Pause feature with a new paid option called Standby Mode — sparking mixed reactions from subscribers worldwide.
From Pause to Standby: What Changed?
Previously, Starlink Roam customers could use the Pause feature to temporarily suspend their subscription at no cost, preventing automatic renewals while keeping their account active. However, this option has now been discontinued.
In its place, Starlink has rolled out Standby Mode, a paid alternative costing $5 per month. Customers who pause their Roam plan will now be prompted to switch to Standby Mode to maintain their subscription. Failure to do so results in automatic cancellation of the Roam plan.
How Standby Mode Works
Under the new system, when a customer places their Roam plan on hold, they are required to activate Standby Mode for $5 per month. This option includes:
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5GB of high-speed data for light browsing.
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Unlimited data at 500 Kbps after the 5GB cap is reached.
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Continued access to the Starlink network without losing account status.
While some subscribers argue that Standby Mode feels like paying for what used to be free, the key difference lies in connectivity. Unlike the old Pause feature, which cut off internet service at the end of the billing cycle, Standby Mode ensures continuous — albeit limited — internet access.
Why the Shift?
Industry observers point to Starlink’s growing network capacity challenges as the main driver behind this change.
The free Pause feature allowed customers to hold spots on the network indefinitely without generating revenue, even as demand surged and waitlists grew in several regions. By introducing a $5 monthly fee, Starlink ensures that inactive users either contribute to operational costs or free up capacity for new paying customers.
As one analyst framed it: “It’s like a restaurant with too many customers waiting outside. Starlink doesn’t want tables occupied by people who aren’t ordering.”
Cancel vs. Standby: What’s at Stake?
Subscribers still have the option to cancel their service entirely. However, cancelling comes with a risk: if their service area is at full capacity when they attempt to rejoin, they will be placed on the waitlist and may not regain immediate access.
Standby Mode, therefore, acts as an insurance policy, preserving a customer’s spot on the network for a modest fee.
Is It Worth $5?
For some, Standby Mode may be an unnecessary cost. But for others, it offers tangible benefits:
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Backup internet when cellular coverage is unreliable.
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Basic connectivity for calls, maps, email, and low-resolution video.
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Peace of mind by keeping access to Starlink without risking waitlist delays.
At $5 per month, it may not replace a full subscription, but it provides a lifeline for light internet needs and ensures subscribers don’t lose their place in line.
The Bigger Picture
The introduction of Standby Mode highlights the balancing act Starlink faces between user flexibility and network efficiency. While many subscribers are unhappy about paying for what used to be free, the policy underscores Starlink’s efforts to maximize capacity in high-demand regions while still offering a middle-ground option for occasional users.
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