When Starlink’s CEO Elon Musk announced on Oct. 1 that all residents in Hurricane Helene’s damage path were eligible for 30 days of free service, it wasn’t clear that customers would still have to pay the $349 equipment fee.
Following a backlash about its high internet service costs, which Starlink had advertised as free, the company recently extended that 30-day coverage through the rest of 2024. Those affected by Hurricane Milton are also now eligible for the Starlink internet service. On Jan. 1, 2025, Starlink will move all customers to a paid internet subscription at the standard $120 monthly rate.
Read more: Starlink Quietly Ends $100 Discount for New Customers
Starlink’s Hurricane Helene relief page, now revised to include Hurricane Milton, offers detailed instructions for new or current customers — including customers activating multiple kits at a time. If you’re not receiving a Starlink kit from the government or an organization, you’ll have to purchase your $349 equipment from Starlink or a retailer like Best Buy or Home Depot. Note that purchasing the Starlink kits may result in a longer delivery time, as Starlink cannot expedite the delivery service, which typically takes one to two weeks.
This is an example of what your bill will be if you’re activating Starlink’s 30-day free internet service as part of Starlink’s hurricane relief.
Customers who currently own a Starlink kit but are eligible for the hurricane relief service will have to sign in and create a support ticket to receive the free subscription through the end of the year.
A map on Starlink’s Hurricane Relief page highlights the counties eligible for free internet service through Dec. 2024. Just don’t forget the costs for the $349 equipment package.
You can check to see if your county is eligible for the free internet service by inputting your address on Starlink’s website.
Read More: Starlink Extends 'Free' Hurricane Relief Internet to the End of the Year
