SpaceX is now offering a new, more affordable option for its Starlink satellite internet service to customers in New Zealand, slashing the monthly rate by 50% for users willing to accept slower internet speeds.
A Reddit user first noticed the “Deprioritized plan” on the Starlink website during the sign-up process. This plan is available for NZ$79 (approximately US$98), in contrast to the NZ$159 standard plan.
The Deprioritized plan, while cheaper, comes without data or speed limits. However, SpaceX has set expectations for download speeds to range between 50-100Mbps, a reduction from the 150-250Mbps offered in the standard plan. The company has stated, “Standard service will be prioritized over Deprioritized service during peak hours,” indicating that users on the cheaper plan may experience slower speeds, particularly during times of high network demand.
This move by SpaceX may be attributed to the ample network capacity available in New Zealand, where Starlink has reported some of the fastest download speeds, averaging between 158Mbps to 266Mbps. This contrasts with the generally lower speeds observed in the United States, especially in southern states, where downloads range from 38Mbps to 104Mbps, reports PC Mag.
While SpaceX has not commented on whether the Deprioritized plan will be introduced in North America, the company has historically been hesitant to offer discounts within the U.S. market.
Last year, however, it did reduce the subscription fee for customers in regions with excess capacity. SpaceX has been more active in offering promotions in other markets, such as Europe and Latin America, where demand appears to be lower. Additionally, in New Zealand, consumers have the option to purchase refurbished Starlink dishes at half price.
Despite the introduction of discounted plans elsewhere, U.S. consumers have been privy to the latest Starlink hardware, including the exclusive V4 dish, underscoring SpaceX’s strategy of varying offerings based on regional network capacity and demand.
