You no longer have to pay for your Starlink Kit, but you can't own it

Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor

Last updated 22 January 2026

Starlink has given its internet plans a light refresh, removing its upfront hardware fees from its entire range. Rather than charge customers as much as $549 for hardware, including a satellite dish and modem-router, new customers just need to pay $19 in shipping to get their Starlink Kit.

The Starlink Kit is provided on a $0 per month rental basis, but customers need to return it if they cancel their service. The kit needs to be returned in good condition, but normal wear and tear is expected. If the hardware isn't returned or isn't in good condition, customers may be slugged with the $549 fee.

Starlink first started offering rental hardware back in November last year, but at the time, customers could still purchase the Starlink Kit outright if they preferred. This option is no longer available. Retailers like JB Hi-Fi still have the Starlink Kit available outright for those who want to own their hardware.

The change applies to all of Starlink's residential plans, which are as follows:

Starlink Residential 100 Mbps

Satellite Download Speeds: Up to 100 Mbps (typically 80-100 Mbps) Upload Speeds: 15-35 Mbps
Unlimited Data

$75/mth

Min. cost $75

Go to Site

$75/mth

Min. cost $75

Go to Site

Note that Starlink's 100Mbps and 200Mbps plans are only available in select areas.

As part of the changes, Starlink is now including a "Router Mini" Mesh WiFi extension unit with its $139 Residential Max plan, at no extra cost.

Customers on the plan can also get a free Starlink Mini for when travelling, also provided as a $0 rental. A Starlink Roam plan is needed to use the Starlink Mini, but the telco says discounted options are available to customers on the Residential Max plan. With the discount, plans start at $80 per month.

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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