Starlink has started inviting U.S. customers into its public beta, with an upfront equipment charge of $499 and a subscription of $99 per month.
An initial invitation shared on Reddit describes the programme as the Better Than Nothing Beta. The equipment charge covers the satellite terminal and router, rather than just access to a waiting list.
The invitation sets expectations of 50 to 150 Mbps downloads and latency of 20 to 40 milliseconds. Those are the company's beta expectations, with interruptions also explicitly mentioned, rather than a promise of uninterrupted service at a fixed speed.
It's an important distinction for somebody considering replacing an existing connection. A service that can bring broadband to an isolated home may still need a backup while the network is being developed.
The public beta is also different from an unrestricted nationwide opening. Receiving an invitation depends on where the customer is, and the initial announcement should not be read as availability at every U.S. address.
The installation needs its own attention. A terminal placed beneath trees or behind a roofline can encounter obstructions, even when the service has been offered for that address. Our U.S. installation directory provides a starting point for planning the setup.
