Pilots Rally Against Starlink’s Restructuring of Aviation Internet Speed Caps
General aviation pilots are raising objections to Starlink’s recent overhaul of its in-motion internet service. The new structure caps the standard Roam and Priority plans at a ground speed of 100 mph. This move effectively grounds affordable in-flight connectivity for the majority of aircraft.
The change, rolled out in early March 2026, compels pilots to adopt new, pricier aviation-specific tiers. The Aviation 300MPH plan comes with a hefty price tag of $250 per month for 20 GB of data. The Aviation 450MPH tier is even more expensive, costing $1,000 per month, with the same data allowance of 20 GB. Overages are billed at $10 per GB and $50 per GB respectively. In contrast, pilots previously had access to Roam plans priced at a more affordable $50-65 per month, offering up to 100 GB of data.
An online petition urging Starlink to bring back affordable roaming plans suitable for general aviation speeds has already amassed over 4,000 signatures. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has also voiced its concerns, sending a formal letter to SpaceX. The association argues that the price hikes effectively cut off access for the majority of GA pilots. These pilots had been relying on Starlink as a vital tool for enhancing safety during flights, providing real-time weather updates, communication, and situational awareness.
“For those of us in general aviation, Starlink has been nothing short of a revolution,” one pilot stated in the petition. “Having Starlink service on board has dramatically enhanced my flying experience, improving not only my situational awareness but also my ability to access up-to-date weather and airport safety information while airborne.”
Source: https://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=ACF57807-9340-4319-9458-407EA97DFBD8