Starlink’s New Data Plan Structure – Behavior After Data Limit Is Reached

Starlink’s New Data Plan Structure – Behavior After Data Limit Is Reached

Thank you as always for your continued support.

Please be advised that SpaceX’s Starlink Maritime Plan structure has
changed as of April 18. This includes significant changes in behavior
after the data plan’s capacity is used up. However, as of now, SpaceX
has not yet updated their official website with details, making the
actual behavior unclear.

Based on our observations across vessels contracted with ORCA, we are able to
share the following confirmed information:

(1) Behavior After Reaching the Data Limit for Starlink Maritime
(Global Priority)

[Previous behavior]:
・At sea: Connection unavailable
・In port: Unlimited communication, treated as Global Roam

[Current behavior (as of April 18)]:
・At sea: Speed is reduced to approx. 1 Mbps downstream, but unlimited
communication is still possible
・In port: Speed is reduced to approx. 1 Mbps downstream, but unlimited
communication is still possible


(2) Recharging Additional Data After Reaching the Data Limit for
Starlink Maritime (Global Priority)

[Previous method]:
・Data could be added in 1 GB units via Opt-in
・After Opt-in, full Starlink performance is resumed
   *1 GB = USD 2

[Current method]:
・Data can now be added in units of 50 GB or 500 GB
・After Opt-in, full Starlink performance is resumed
   *50 GB = USD 100 (1 GB = USD 2)
   *500 GB = USD 500 (1 GB = USD 1)

Notes:
・The above information applies to direct contracts with SpaceX.
・If your contract is through a satellite carrier, please consult the
carrier directly regarding applicable conditions.

Conclusion:
The change in post-limit behavior (point 1) is especially significant,
as the reduced speed of 1 Mbps is nearly equivalent to the Maximum
Information Rate (MIR) of many traditional VSAT services.

This means a Starlink Maritime 50 GB plan (USD 250) could effectively
serve as a substitute for an unlimited-use VSAT plan, offering a new
cost-effective operational model. We recommend reassessing your
current combination of communication infrastructure.

For vessels equipped with ORiON Plus, flexible integration of various
communication infrastructures is fully supported.

If you're considering adjustments to your vessel’s communications
setup, feel free to reach out for consultation.

Thank you for your continued trust in ORCA.

Thanks & best regards.