You and I aren’t the only ones using Starlink. In fact, thousands of firms are now subscribed to the firm’s dedicated Business option.
In this article, we’ll describe what Starlink Business is, how it compares to the Residential plan, whether a business can use the Residential plan, and what other B2B options are available.
What Is Starlink Business?
Starlink Business, also called Priority, is aimed at businesses and enterprises. Interested customers can check it out here.
The service, which mainly promises faster internet speeds, was initially unveiled back in February 2022.
Business customers, in exchange for the performance improvements, are charged a premium compared to Residential users.
Here are all available tiers that Business currently provides (prices denoted in USD and per month):
- $140 for 40 GB of priority data
- $250 for 1 TB
- $500 for 2 TB
- $1,500 for 6 TB
Customers subscribed to the Business plan can expect download speeds of up to 220 Mbps and latency as low as 20 ms in most locations. Up to 20 users, according to Starlink, can connect to the service at any given time.
Once you exceed your Priority data allotment, then you’ll be downgraded to what Starlink dubs “Standard data”, meaning you enjoy the same prioritization as Residential subscribers.
Those who exceed their priority data limits (usage from 7am to 11pm counts towards the limit) can get additional bandwidth at $0.50 per GB.
Moreover, Business customers are prioritized in times of high usage per Starlink’s Fair Use Policy.
On top of that, Business customers benefit from 24/7, prioritized support as well as a publicly routable IPv4 address.
Related: everything you need to know about Starlink
Unfortunately, Starlink does not offer any installation services for business customers. If you need help installing your hardware, then check out our professional installer directory.
However, for an account management fee, businesses ordering huge amounts can receive further help from Starlink to place orders, activate the service, manage subscription features, and assist with other unique requests.
Required Hardware
Previously, Business subscribers could only order the High Performance antenna. However, Starlink has since changed the available options.
In the United States, interested customers are offered the option to either purchase the Standard rectangular dish or the Flat High Performance antenna.
Personally, I am using the Standard antenna, which costs $599. The Flat High Performance option, in my opinion, isn’t really worth the $2,500 price tag.
While it does offer a few advantages, such as a greater field of view (allowing it to connect to more satellites, thus reducing latency) and better temperature resistance, most users’ needs will be satisfied with the Standard dish.
That said, businesses can order as many dishes as needed but will be charged individually for each one. Simply order another one by clicking on the + sign in the YOUR STARLINKS section.
What Is The Difference Between Starlink Business And Residential?
Here’s a quick overview of what’s different between Starlink’s Residential and Business plans (pricing for the United States; refer to our global price list for Residential prices outside of the US):
| Business | Residential | |
| Monthly Fee | $140 (40 GB) $250 (1 TB) $500 (2 TB) $1,000 (6 TB) | $90 (excess capacity) $120 (limited capacity) |
| Hardware Fee | $599 for Standard $2,500 for High Performance | $599 |
| Download Speed | Up to 220 Mbps | 25 Mbps – 200 Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 8 Mbps – 25 Mbps | 5 Mbps – 15 Mbps |
| Latency | 25 ms – 50 ms | 25 ms – 50 ms |
| Cancellation Policy | Any time | Any time |
| Locations | Unlimited | 100 |
| Public IP Address | Available | Not available |
Starlink customers on the Residential plan can switch to Business simply by ordering it via the above-mentioned page.
Make sure to use the same email address you provided with Residential. Starlink automatically upgrades you to Business once the order process is completed.
One of the biggest perks of Business is that it isn’t subject to local availability, thus allowing you to skip the waitlist and get Starlink faster.
If you’re interested in a more detailed breakdown of the two plans, then refer to our dedicated article on the matter.
How To Upgrade From Residential To Business
Upgrading from Starlink’s Residential plan to Business is as easy as it gets. First, visit Starlink’s Business section on its website.
You then enter your address and click on ‘Order Now’, which transfers you to Starlink’s order form.
Over there you add your existing email address that you use with the Residential plan.
Starlink automatically recognizes the email and will then prompt you to switch to Business.
Can A Business Use Starlink Residential?
Yes, technically a business can also use Starlink’s Residential plan. However, as we’ve outlined above, they will have to cope with slower speeds and worse reliability, which may affect operations.
Those who are subscribed to Residential get access to what Starlink calls “Standard” data (which is the reason why Residential is also called Standard).
Consequently, Business customers are always prioritized over those subscribed to Residential, which are then favored against Roam and Best Effort subscribers.
There are also other supporting factors, which may favor a switch to Business. These include prioritized customer support, access to a publicly routable IPv4 address, and the option to set up as many locations as needed.
But yes, a business or enterprise can technically use Starlink’s Residential (or any of its other plans for that matter) to access the web.
What Other Business Plans Does Starlink Offer?
Today, Starlink offers two other plans aimed at enterprise customers (it sells seven different plans in total). They are called Aviation and Maritime, respectively.
Aviation enables high-speed, low-latency, in-flight internet. The plan costs a whopping $12,500 to $25,000 per month, depending on the number of installed terminals.
A few airlines and private jet operators, such as airBaltic or JSX, have already signed up for the service.
Meanwhile, Maritime is aimed at anyone roaming the oceans and seas of this world, whether that’s oil rigs, vessels, or cruise ships.
Starlink promises speeds of up to 220 Mbps. And it charges handsomely for that promise. Maritime business customers pay a minimum of $1,000 per month, on top of one-time hardware fees totaling $2,500 ($5,000 for two antennas).
The company has since introduced a cheaper plan aimed at individual boat owner, costing $250 per month for 50 GB of priority data.
A multitude of customers have already signed up for Maritime and include Carnival Cruise, Solstad, American Cruise Lines, and many more.
do you have comparisons between Business and Residential high performance ? can’t find any
I don’t have it yet but will try to find it for you and add it in here.
Viktor,
Great article! I am though, confused about a few things please:
If I was to exceed their priority data limits (usage from 7am to 11pm counts towards the limit) of 1TB (It is 1TB for the $250.00 plan, yes?), does my internet stop, or I am instantly charged the $0.50 per GB, or can I opt for a being throttled option?
In addition, is this 1TB of priority data per day? Is the 7am to 11pm EST?
Thank you in advance.
Walter
Hello Walter,
glad you enjoyed it! With regards to your questions:
– It is $250/month for 1TB of priority data, correct. The 1TB limit counts towards the whole month and not a single day, though.
– Once you exceed that threshold, you will simply be deprioritized and not throttled (i.e., your internet connection will still work). This means that others in the same cell as you will be served first. It may, depending on how busy your cell is at any given moment in time, not even be noticeable.
– If you absolutely need the best performance possible, then it is advised to purchase additional data (i.e., $0.50 per GB). However, you won’t be charged anything without explicitly booking that option.
If possible, I’d recommend conducting data-heavy activities, such as downloading and uploading media files, outside of the 7am to 11pm timeslot.
Hope that helps!
I the article you state ” Businesses can order as many dishes as needed but will be charged individually for each one.” Does this mean that a business can have two locations and share one 1TB monthly data allocation?
Hello Mark,
unfortunately not – the 1TB limit is per plan and you can only operate it at the location you’re registered at.
What I meant by the section where you quoted me is that you are charged the monthly fee for each dish you order and use.
Regards,
Viktor
It appears that an existing Standard plan/equipment is allowed to just change plans to Priority 1TB, not forcing a hardware upgrade. Is this a legitimate upgrade if I choose the 1TB, or will I be paying for it without getting the benefits unless I order the upgraded hardware to ‘Business’ as well?
Hi Brad,
hard to tell as it’s depending on the congestion of the cell you’re located in. You’ll likely only notice differences during peak hours (e.g., 7am to 11pm) but they may be minor. You could potentially switch for a month and compare performance – and if it’s not materially better, then simply switch back to Residential/Standard.
Hello, I just wanna ask if starlink business can be utilize as your business in selling internet connection to others as your normal operation of business in internet service provider to them?
Hi Timothy, sorry, not sure I’m understanding the question. Could you maybe use a translator tool, that may help (or just post it in your native language and I’ll translate myself).
Hello Viktor,
do you have any idea if roaming is available for business plans?
Hi Moe, yes, technically Maritime/Mobile Priority is what you’re looking for. Navigate to the following link (https://www.starlink.com/maritime) and type in your address in the search bar below. Then select the amount of priority data you need.
Hope that helps!
I have starlink residential that I received back in late 2020 it is a round dish and it is mobile as I use it when I go camping. My question is if I go Business can I still use this dish for when I’m using my camper for work? I also would have two other locations that will use the service. So I would need two other receivers.
Hi Tom, yes, you should still be able to use the round dish. Would recommend holding off with the upgrade and wait until the Gen3 antennas come out in a few weeks/months.
My primary building is at the north end of the property and currently has Residential Star Link I have about 1200 ft between buildings, and it is entirely wooded between each building. One hill between buildings is 50 ft. . What is my best option to get signal from My primary building to the one at the south end of property.