SpaceX is exploring a new way to bring high-speed satellite internet to underserved and low-income communities. Dubbed “Starlink Community,” the upcoming offering aims to significantly reduce the cost of internet access by enabling multiple households to share a single Starlink terminal.
Details of the pilot surfaced through a now-removed support page intended for authorized resellers and enterprise clients. The page outlined a US$60 monthly price tag per user, nearly half the standard US$120 fee for individual residential Starlink service. (via PC Mag)
Instead of every user requiring their own satellite dish, Starlink Community allows several users to connect through a shared terminal, while maintaining individual accounts and personal Wi-Fi routers. The internal tagline: “One Starlink, multiple subscribers.”
Designed for Rural and High-Density Housing
This shared model appears to be tailored for areas where traditional broadband is either unavailable or unaffordable — such as rural villages, apartment buildings, or low-income urban blocks. Installers, acting as “Community Hosts,” would set up the Starlink dish and network switch, onboard subscribers, and earn commissions for each user they connect.
Starlink is also preparing to launch a “Community Hotspot” option aimed at providing short-term access to single devices. While details remain limited, it could function like a pop-up public Wi-Fi zone or emergency connectivity hub.
Where Will It Be Available?
The first signs of Starlink Community didn’t come from North America. Some of the earliest reseller communications were reportedly sent in Portuguese, suggesting the program may debut in Latin America or other international markets before expanding to Canada or the U.S.
What About Bandwidth?
While the promise of accessible satellite internet is clear, some questions remain. SpaceX has not disclosed how bandwidth will be managed across multiple users sharing a single terminal. In typical shared setups, speed can suffer during peak hours, and it’s unclear how Starlink will mitigate congestion or prevent abuse by heavy users.
Additionally, the placeholder Community webpage on Starlink’s site remains inactive, and no official launch timeline has been released.
