Starlink has announced it will lower the maximum supported operating speed from 550 MPH (478 knots) to 450 MPH (391 knots) effective Nov. 7, 2025. Starlink says the change is part of its “ongoing efforts to optimize network performance.” While this won’t affect most operators beyond those flying jets it does raise some questions about where the service is headed. The company suggests users needing faster in-motion connectivity switch to one of its Aviation plans, but at prices few GA pilots could ever justify.
Under the current Starlink Local Priority subscription pricing, 50 GB of data is $65 per month and increases incrementally to $165 for 500 GB, $290 for 1 TB and $540 for 2 TB of data. Under the High-Speed Internet In Flight plan, 20 GB of data is $2,000 per month and $10,000 for unlimited access. This isn’t the first time there have been shake-ups with Starlink’s supported speeds and roaming policies, and it’s not clear whether this marks the start of broader limitations ahead.
Slow news week? I’m pretty sure the guys who own 400kt airplanes will find a way to write such an expense off without impacting their early retirements or vacation home plans.
You’ve completely missed the point of the report. With Starlink having grown tremendously in popularity for cabins of all sizes, it was relevant to call out the company’s latest speed adjustment as it relates to fees, and it’s a trend to watch.
Starlink has adjusted speed and mobility limits before, which ends up affecting lower-tier plans. The latest change primarily impacts jet operators, but it points to a larger trend—Starlink gradually steering mobile users toward its high-cost Aviation plans.
I feel like there’s a relevant term from Cory Doctorow’s work to reference here: Enshittification.
and you, JT, just rewrote the headline.
Remember when we used to look out the window in awe and wonder?
The technology today is incredible, but I’ll admit I do miss the old days of flying with just a sectional, an AFD, and a low chart, no GPS, iPad, or fancy gear to lean on.
Fortunately Roy and Sy, you can still commit unpremeditated aviation that way. I do it all the time. You just have to make sanguine choices in aircraft and where you choose to live. This notice reflects a first-world aviation issue that has as much effect on my flying as the price of Jet-A.
The $50 Roam 50 plan is still available: 50 gb, 450 mph, “lower priority during network congestion,” but has been rock solid for me over 20 hours or so.