For those still equipped with Portability, or for historical reference, let's delve into the intricacies of Starlink Portability mode - its features, limitations, costs, and the process of enabling and disabling this unique service.
What is the Portability Add-On?
Portability is an additional feature designed exclusively for Starlink Residential customers. Once activated, Portability transforms your Residential service into the Roam (previously RV) service, allowing users to take their Starlink dish anywhere outside their registered service address. This functionality caters to the needs of avid travelers, campers, or individuals requiring portable internet access.
How Much Does Starlink Portability Cost?
The Portability add-on comes with a price tag of $25 per month, in addition to the standard Residential service fee. This fee is charged on the subsequent billing cycle after enabling Portability and continues until the user opts to turn off this feature.
Restrictions
Regrettably, as of March 2023, Portability is no longer available as an add-on for US customers. For those in the US seeking portable internet solutions, the Starlink Roam plan is the recommended alternative. Additionally, users can only utilize Portability within their own continent, restricting its use across continents. If a user stays in a secondary location for more than two months, Starlink may require them to update their service address to the new country.
Performance
Portability offers performance comparable to Starlink Roam, featuring download speeds ranging from 5-50 Mbps and upload speeds from 2-10 Mbps. However, users employing Portability outside their home service address may experience deprioritization on the Starlink network, resulting in potentially slower speeds during network congestion.
How to Enable and Disable Portability Mode
Enabling and disabling Portability is a straightforward process:
Enabling:
- Log in to your Starlink account on Starlink.com.
- Navigate to "Your Starlinks" and click on "Manage."
- Select "Add Portability" from the left-hand menu.
- Confirm the $25 monthly fee and click "Add Portability" to complete the process.
Disabling:
- Log in to your Starlink account on Starlink.com.
- Go to "Your Starlinks" and click on "Manage."
- Choose "Remove Portability."
- Confirm your decision in the pop-up message and click "Remove Portability" to finalize the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Starlink anywhere?
Yes, with either the Portability feature or the Starlink Roam plan activated, users can enjoy Starlink connectivity anywhere within the coverage map available on the Starlink website.
How long does it take for Portability to take effect?
Portability becomes active immediately after enabling it on your account.
What is the difference between Starlink Roam and Portability?
While both options allow travel within the home continent, the major difference lies in the billing structure. Starlink Roam plans can be paused and unpaused as needed, while Portability incurs a fixed monthly charge until turned off.
Can I pause my Starlink service?
With the Residential service plan and Portability, pausing is not an option. For seasonal use, the Starlink Roam plan is recommended.
What if I have multiple Starlink locations?
Portability must be separately purchased and enabled for each dish or location.
Does Portability mode work internationally?
Yes, users can move within the same continent as the registered service address.
Does Portability work while in-motion?
No, Portability is not designed for use on moving vehicles. For in-motion use, the Starlink Roam plan with the Flat High-Performance dish is the suitable option.
In conclusion, while Starlink's Portability mode is no longer available for new US customers, those already equipped with this feature can enjoy the freedom of internet access on-the-go. As the technological landscape continues to evolve, Starlink remains at the forefront, providing innovative solutions for users seeking reliable and portable internet connectivity.