Starlink satellite Internet in Canada: how to sign up, what it costs, whether it is worth getting, and what to know about camping, travel and cancelling

1. What Starlink is, and why it is not the same as "phone-to-satellite" service

Starlink sells a "satellite broadband" kit for your home or for travel. Starlink's Specifications describe it as a two-way satellite Internet service, received using Starlink's antenna, Wi-Fi router, power supply and mount. The Terms of Service call the whole set the "Starlink Kit" (below we call it the "equipment" or the "kit").

Just downloading an app will not put your phone on Starlink. The Starlink app is for managing your account, setting up the equipment and testing the signal. What actually gets you online is the dish and the router.

"Phone straight to satellite" is a different service. Some phone companies now sell a service that lets your phone send text messages directly through a satellite when there is no cell signal. This is part of a phone plan, and you do not need to buy a dish. For example, the Rogers Satellite page on the Rogers website says: you need a supported phone; you can send texts, use some satellite-enabled apps, and text 911 (text-to-911); it works in most outdoor places with a clear view of the sky and no cell coverage in Canada south of 58 degrees north latitude, except in some areas; and satellite service (including text-to-911) may be delayed, limited or unavailable. The Rogers page also says you can sign up no matter which phone company you use. The prices on the page on November 4, 2026 were: $15 a month if you are not a Rogers customer; included with Rogers' new 5G+ plans; and for other Rogers customers, $10 a month for the first 12 months, then $15. Prices may change later. Call your own phone company to ask whether it has a similar service and whether it costs anything. We could not read the content of Starlink's own phone-to-satellite page (Starlink Mobile) this time, so we do not go into it.

Work out which one you need:

• If you only want to be able to send a text to say you are safe when there is no signal in the mountains or by the sea, ask your phone company about satellite texting first; you do not necessarily need to buy Starlink.
• If you need normal Internet where there is no wired connection, for video calls or for the whole family, that is what Starlink is for.

Related: for how to prepare before going into the mountains or the backcountry, and what to do if you get lost, see Guide No. 22, Lost outdoors: prevention and survival.

2. First, see whether you need it

First, find your situation:

This table is only to help you think it through; it does not tell you whether Starlink works at your address. Conditions in downtown Victoria, the suburbs and remote parts of Vancouver Island may be completely different, so check with your own address (section 6).

To see which other Internet services are available in your area besides Starlink, you can first look at the federal government's National Broadband Map: the high-speed Internet page of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) says you can find out which Internet services are available in your area using this map. The map only shows its content when opened in a browser, and we could not read what is in the map this time. Showing up on the map does not guarantee you can get the service at your door, so still call those companies to ask (our reminder).

How to compare with your current Internet. Comparing these is more useful than looking only at the "top speed in Mbps":

• Total cost each month: add up the monthly fee plus tax, the equipment, shipping, installation and electricity, one by one (section 4).
• Upload speed: video calls, sending photos and cloud backups depend on upload. The Specifications give an expected upload of 15–35 Mbps for the Residential plans (section 8).
• Reliability: Starlink needs a "view of the sky"; trees or buildings in the way will make it cut in and out (section 5).
• Contract and cancelling: Starlink is paid monthly, and the terms include a way to return the equipment within 30 days (section 11).

Do the new rules cover Starlink? Section 1 of Guide No. 29, New rules for cellphones and home Internet, covers the Internet Code that the CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission) set for home Internet. The companies this Code names as having to follow it are nine large companies: Bell Canada, Cogeco, Eastlink, Northwestel, Rogers, SaskTel, TELUS, Videotron and Xplore; Starlink is not among them. The CRTC says companies not on the list do not have to follow it, but it hopes all Internet companies will (based on that guide's check on November 3, 2026). Our understanding: the new rules for "home Internet" in that guide may not apply to Starlink; the CRTC has the final word.

But you still have somewhere to take a dispute: the list of participating providers of the CCTS (Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services) includes Starlink, and Starlink's terms also say you can go to the CCTS if you cannot reach agreement (section 12).

Related: for the new rules for companies on the Code's list, such as TELUS and Rogers, on activation fees, cancelling and Internet speed commitments, and when each one starts, see Guide No. 29, New rules for cellphones and home Internet.

3. Which plans are available in Canada

First, two terms. Mbps in a plan name is speed: the bigger the number, the faster. GB is data, meaning how much "high-speed data" you can use in a month. They are not the same thing.

Two main types:

• Residential plans: for households, tied to one fixed address on land. The Service Plan Descriptions state that Residential plans may not be used for business or company purposes.
• Roam plans: portable, for "low-use, on land" situations such as camping, travel and living in an RV. They may not be used for business either.

There are also Personal Maritime plans for small boats and Priority plans for businesses; this guide does not cover them in detail.

Plan comparison:

How to read the monthly prices in this table:

• The monthly price column shows the "starting prices" we noted from Starlink Canada's public website pages on November 3, 2026, when writing this guide, in Canadian dollars, before tax. When we re-checked on November 4, the prices on the website were worked out and displayed by the page on the fly, and we could not read them, so they are marked "not verified"; go by the order page you see after entering your own address.
• Starlink's Critical Information Summary states that prices vary with your address and the equipment you choose; you need to enter your address and choose a configuration at starlink.com to see the one-time charges and monthly fee you will pay.
• The Service Plan Descriptions also state that these plans are not necessarily available everywhere; availability depends on network capacity and government approval.

A few things to know about the Residential plans:

• "100" and "200" are top speeds, not guaranteed speeds. What the Service Plan Descriptions say is: the number before Mbps is the maximum download speed that can be reached; neither speeds nor uninterrupted service are guaranteed.
• When the network is busy, 100 and 200 slow down more easily than Max. The Service Plan Descriptions state that when the network is congested, Residential 100 and Residential 200 users are more likely to slow down than Residential Max users.
• "Unlimited data" can also slow down. In the evening, when lots of people are online, it may slow down; streaming video, gaming and downloading large files are most affected. If you consistently use much more than a typical household, Starlink may slow down your service.
• If you move to another address, your current plan may not be available there. If the new address does not offer that plan, you may have to switch to a different plan or cancel.
• Different Residential plans may come with different equipment, accessories and installation. Do not compare monthly fees alone.
• You may also see older plan names such as Residential and Residential Lite in your account. The Service Plan Descriptions state that Residential Lite data always comes last in line, so it is slower when the network is busy.

Residential Max comes with an extra offer (the Special Offers terms as of November 4, 2026). Starlink's "Special Offers" page says: for Residential Max customers only, including in Canada; you can rent a Starlink Mini (a smaller dish) with no monthly rental fee, and get an eligible Roam plan at half the monthly fee. The conditions are:

• You must keep your Residential Max subscription, and also keep a service plan on the Mini; in other words, the Mini does not come with a free connection: the Roam plan on it is paid separately (at half price);
• If you stop your Residential Max subscription (including switching to Standby Mode, which pauses it, or changing to another plan), or cancel the plan on the Mini, you must send the Mini back right away, and the Roam discount ends on your next billing date; if you do not send it back within 30 days, you will be charged as if you had bought the Mini;
• The rented unit may be refurbished; it cannot be transferred; it is limited to one per person; and the offer may change or end at any time, is not available everywhere and cannot be combined with other offers.

When writing this guide on November 3, we also noted that the website showed "professional installation" for Residential Max; we could not read this when we re-checked on November 4, so it is marked "not verified"; go by what your order page says.

A few things to know about the Roam plans:

• After you use up 100GB or 300GB, you can still get online, but it is very slow. The Specifications say that once the data is used up, you drop to a lower speed of about 500 Kbps, which is about 0.5 Mbps. The Help Center says the lower speed is enough for email, calls and texts; video, large downloads and video calls will be limited.
• Unused data does not carry over to the next month.
• You can upgrade at any time. The Help Center says that if you use up your 100GB, you can switch to 300GB or Unlimited at any time. When you switch, there are two options: choose "NOW", and the new plan and price start right away; choose "DATE", and they start at the end of the current billing cycle. After you upgrade, you are billed for the new plan every month unless you switch back yourself. If you downgrade to a cheaper plan and choose NOW, you get no refund for the remaining days of the old plan; if you want to use them up first, choose DATE.
• Taking it abroad or onto a boat has separate rules, covered in section 9.

4. Equipment, shipping and tax: adding it up item by item

You pay for the equipment once, when you order. The Critical Information Summary states that the equipment is charged once at the time of order; the monthly service fee is separate and is charged from the Payment Due Date (section 7). Equipment prices are not the same across the country; you only see them after entering your address.

Buying or renting: know the difference first:

If you see "$0 equipment", first check whether there are conditions. The Critical Information Summary says: depending on your address, you may be offered $0 equipment in exchange for a 12-month service commitment. But the Help Center page "What is the 12-Month Residential Service Option?" says this option has been discontinued for new activations, so neither new customers nor existing customers starting new service can get it. Section 1 of the terms still includes it, so if your order shows the words "12 months" or "Service Commitment", read it carefully:

• During the 12 months, cancelling, changing plans, changing your service address, or transferring the service or equipment to someone else all trigger a "Change Fee"; it is also charged if your bill is overdue and unpaid, or if Starlink ends the contract because you broke it.
• The Change Fee starts at $499 and goes down each month. The formula is: 499 × months remaining ÷ 12. For example, with 4 months left: 499 × 4 ÷ 12 ≈ $166.33.
• If you return the equipment as required within the first-month trial period, there is no Change Fee.

Also, the Help Center page on returning equipment says that since October 2025, Standard 4 and Standard 4 X dishes rented for free must be returned in good condition within 30 days of cancelling, or you will be charged the full price. So when you see "$0 hardware", ask clearly whether it is a purchase, a rental or an offer with conditions.

Shipping and handling are not refunded. The terms state that shipping and handling are always charged and are not refundable; a signature may be required on delivery; Starlink chooses the carrier.

Some areas have a "demand surcharge". The Help Center says: in areas where the network is especially busy, buying new service, starting a new plan or moving your service address to such an area may come with a one-time "demand surcharge", calculated by address and plan. If you return the equipment within the 30-day return period, an eligible demand surcharge is refunded. The Help Center does not say how much it is; when you order, check whether the order page shows this item (our suggestion).

Tax: in B.C., 5% GST plus 7% PST. The Canadian terms state that 7% PST and 5% GST apply to goods shipped to B.C. and to services for B.C. customers. Other provinces are taxed under their own rules (for example, Manitoba, Quebec and Saskatchewan each have their own wording), so do not apply B.C.'s 12% to the whole country.

The calculation is simple: price × 1.12. For example, for a $100 monthly fee, add $5 GST and $7 PST, for $112 a month; over 12 months, that is $1,344.

An example (arithmetic only; prices not verified). The public prices we noted from the Roam page on November 3, 2026, when writing this guide, were: Starlink Mini purchase $299, standard shipping and handling $19, total $318, plus tax; there was also an option to rent a Mini, where if you sign up for Roam in the usual way, the upfront equipment cost and the monthly rental are $0, and you must send it back after cancelling. We could not read these figures when we re-checked on November 4 (not verified); go by the order page you see after entering your address. If you bought a Mini at this price and then kept a Roam 100GB plan at $75 a month for a full year:

• Before tax: 299 + 19 + 75 × 12 = $1,218
• With B.C.'s 12% tax: 1,218 × 1.12 ≈ $1,364.16
• This does not yet include electricity, mounts or other accessories. It only shows how to do the calculation; it is not a suggestion to sign up for a full year.

If you buy equipment abroad, ask before you buy. The terms say equipment activated outside the region where it was bought may be charged an "Outside Region Fee"; the terms do not say how much. The Help Center page "How do I activate my Starlink?" also says activation is not supported if the country where you will use it is different from the country you registered your account in; the country you choose on the website must match the country of your account. Before you bring back equipment bought in the U.S., open a support ticket to ask Starlink. Opening a support ticket means writing a message to customer support in the Starlink app or your online account, which leaves a written record; how to open one is in section 12.

For a yearly budget, add all of these:

Equipment (bought or rented) + shipping and handling + any demand surcharge + installation, mounts and longer cables (the Specifications say the dish must connect directly to the router, without adapters, power bars or similar add-ons in between; if you need a longer cable, ask Starlink first or look in its online shop), plus Wi-Fi extenders + monthly fee + tax + electricity + backup power (if needed).

Related: for how to read the taxes and fees on a bill, and how to get money back step by step if you were overcharged, see Guide No. 49, Checking and disputing your bills.

5. Three things to check before you order: the sky, power and permission

The dish needs a view of the sky

Why the sky matters. The Help Center says Starlink needs a "view of the sky" to stay connected to the satellites that keep moving overhead, switching between different satellites. Anything between the dish and the satellites, such as a tree branch, a utility pole or a roof, can make it drop out, and you may not even notice some obstructions.

It does not need the whole sky, but the more open the better. What the Help Center says is: a view of the whole sky is best, but a view of part of the sky is often enough.

Where to put it, as the Help Center suggests:

• Do not put it next to a wall or near anything that blocks the sky;
• Do not put it under a covered outdoor area;
• It can be mounted on a roof, a pole or a wall, as long as the dish is higher than whatever is in the way and still has an open view;
• Putting it higher (for example on a stand, a post or the roof) makes it easier to avoid nearby obstructions;
• Many users find that a permanent mount somewhere high, such as a roof or a pole, works best and also protects the cable.

Do not cover or paint the dish. The terms say you may not modify the equipment without Starlink's consent, including painting it, changing how it looks or putting the dish inside an enclosure; if Starlink decides a modification has significantly degraded the service or the equipment, the warranty may be void. The Limited Warranty also lists enclosing the dish as not covered. If you were thinking of building a small shelter over the dish to keep off rain or snow, hold off for now.

Check with the app first. The Help Center suggests downloading the Starlink app first; it helps you manage your account and test the connection. Stand with your phone where you plan to put the dish and use the app's obstruction-checking feature (we could not confirm the exact name of this feature in the English interface from Starlink's official text this time). Standard installation by Starlink's official partner installers also includes an obstruction check.

A few reminders from us (not Starlink's words):

• Being able to see a little sky from an apartment balcony does not mean it is enough; a basement window is often harder still.
• Vancouver Island has lots of trees: even if the map shows service, the tree canopy over your own home may still block the signal. Do not cut or prune trees just to get a signal: if you rent, ask your landlord first, and even for trees on your own property, check your municipality's rules first.
• Do not climb onto a dangerous roof to test the signal. Look for a spot on the ground first; if that does not work, consider having someone install it up high.

Where to install it, and whether your landlord or property manager agrees

Permission is your responsibility. Section 4 of the terms states that you are responsible for making sure you comply with building codes, zoning, all kinds of bylaws and regulations, homeowners' association or property management rules, your lease obligations, and the consent of your landlord or property owner, and for any related fees and permits. Being able to order service online does not mean you have been approved to install it.

Our suggestions (not the wording of the terms):

• If you rent: read your lease first. If you need to go onto the roof, drill through an outside wall or window frame, use a shared area or run a permanent cable, get your landlord's written consent first.
• If you live in a strata (a condominium): the roof and outside walls generally do not belong to one household; even if you own your unit, do not touch the shared roof yourself. Ask the property manager or strata council first and get written consent.
• Write these points down clearly: where the dish will go, how the mount will be fixed, where the cable will come into the home, and who will remove it and repair any damage when you move out. If you only set it down temporarily, make sure it is stable, does not block fire exits, and that the equipment and cables cannot fall.

Starlink will not pay for changes to your home. The terms say that if using the service requires work on or changes to your home, Starlink has no obligation to reimburse you or to restore it. If you mount it permanently on a roof or a vehicle, you should know this carries risks; for example, your roof warranty may be affected. The terms also say: if you cannot install it safely yourself, do not install it; get help from a professional.

Getting it installed

Starlink lists third-party installers for Canada. The Help Center page "Does Starlink provide installers?" says this is only available in some countries and only for Residential plans; the entry for Canada is SBPM (link at the end of this section). These installers are trained by Starlink; you contact them and make the agreement with them yourself.

What a standard installation includes (summarized from the Help Center):

• Checking the site in person and choosing the best spot;
• Installing the dish (including a standard mount) on a roof, wall, eave, gutter or other high place, including basic sealed drilling;
• Running the cable from the dish to the nearest entry point into the home;
• At the entry point, connecting the router, setting up the Wi-Fi name and password, and logging in to the account;
• Activating the service, testing the speed, checking alignment and obstructions, and showing you how to use the app.
• It usually takes about 90 minutes. Someone aged 18 or older must be present on behalf of the account holder, and pets must be put away first.

What it does not include: pole mounts are not installed; Starlink does not offer removal; longer cables, trenching, special cable routing, long travel distances and some types of homes may cost extra; other accessories must be bought separately.

Some things to keep apart:

• Starlink only refunds installation bought on the Starlink website; for an agreement you make with a third-party installer yourself, Starlink does not handle refunds and is not responsible for damage caused by third-party installation.
• The date billing starts has nothing to do with the installation date (section 7). The Help Center encourages you to start using it somewhere with a view of the sky while you wait for installation.
• Adding an outdoor outlet or changing wiring on an outside wall is electrical work. Before you hire an electrician, you can check on the Technical Safety BC website whether they are a licensed contractor. For how to find licensed tradespeople for gas and electrical work and check their licence, see section 9 of Guide No. 44, Home repairs: who to call.

In a power outage, the satellites are still there, but the equipment still needs power

Starlink must stay plugged in. The Help Center gives the average power use of the whole kit (dish, router, power supply and cables) for each model; these are averages on AC wall power, and they vary with temperature, location and use:

Roughly how much electricity a month (average power × time; not the actual reading on your meter):

• Standard 4: 75–100 W × 24 hours × 30 days ≈ 54–72 kWh.
• Mini: 20–40 W × 24 hours × 30 days ≈ 14.4–28.8 kWh.
• To see what it costs, multiply by the price per kWh on your BC Hydro bill. For BC Hydro's tiered prices per kWh and how to read the bill, see section 3 of Guide No. 49, Checking and disputing your bills.

Do not look only at a backup battery's capacity. A battery rated 1,000 Wh (watt-hours) will not necessarily run steadily for "1,000 ÷ 100 = 10 hours": there are conversion losses, the battery may not discharge fully, it lasts less in the cold, and besides the router you will also want to charge phones and computers. The best way is to actually connect the whole setup once and see how long it lasts.

Starlink is not a life-saving service. The terms state that the service is not suitable for, and not designed for, "mission-critical" or "life safety" uses. Equipment failure, network congestion, very bad weather or not enough power can all cut it off. You still need other ways to reach people in a family emergency.

What Starlink does in disasters. The Help Center page "Starlink Emergency Response" says: in officially declared disaster areas, it automatically adds service credit for active customers (including those whose service is paused or suspended), with no need to apply; during disasters it does not accept requests from individuals for free equipment, which goes to vetted relief organizations and governments; to be prepared for disasters, it suggests keeping your service active, keeping the equipment somewhere you can get to it, and using a Mini or Standard with portable power (solar panels or batteries).

Related: for what to keep at home and how to stay in touch with family when the power and Internet go out or a disaster strikes, see Guide No. 21, Family emergency preparedness.

6. Ordering online yourself, step by step

Before you order

Step 1: Decide what it is for. For long-term use at one address, look at the Residential plans; for campsites, an RV or several places, look at Roam. For a shop, Wi-Fi for customers or long periods at sea, look into business or maritime options separately; do not use a personal plan.

Step 2: Open the Canadian website. Go to https://starlink.com/ca and make sure the site shows Canada as the country and prices in Canadian dollars. Then look at the coverage map at https://starlink.com/map. The map only shows the general picture; what you can order at your exact address, and whether there is capacity right now, you only find out after entering the address.

Step 3: Enter your real service address. The service address is where you will actually use the Internet; the shipping address is where the package goes. They can be different. Do not borrow someone else's address to get a deal or get around a limit: the terms say you are only authorized to use the service at the location on your order or at a place Starlink approves.

• If it shows "sold out": the Help Center says this means Residential service in that area is full; it cannot be activated for now, and Starlink cannot say when it will be; if you want to join the line, pay a deposit.
• Deposit: the terms say you can ask for a full refund of the deposit in your account at any time before shipping, and once it is refunded you lose your place in line; paying a deposit does not guarantee you will get service and does not lock in the price: you pay the price on the day you order.

Step 4: Check the sky and permission before you pay. Use the app to check where you plan to put the dish, and ask your landlord or property manager (section 5). Do not pay and then find out there is nowhere to put the dish.

Step 5: Read the order line by line. Check each item:

• Whether the equipment is a purchase, a rental or an offer with conditions;
• How much the monthly fee and the monthly rental are, whether there is a discount, and until what date;
• Shipping and handling, any demand surcharge, and tax;
• What installation includes;
• Whether it says "12 months" or "Service Commitment";
• When billing for the first month starts.

Save or screenshot the order page and the terms. The terms also recommend that you keep a copy of the terms and your receipts.

Step 6: Open the account and order yourself. The terms state:

• You must be 18, or the age of majority where you live, to sign up. B.C.'s Age of Majority Act sets the age of majority at 19. Our suggestion: in B.C., to be safe, count on 19; if an 18-year-old in your family wants to open their own account, ask Starlink first;
• The account must be opened in your own name and the contract signed in your own name; you cannot have an agent buy for you or deal with Starlink for you, except family members, people you live with, people who care for you, or someone Starlink has expressly agreed to;
• You must confirm that you did not buy through, or pay, a commercial middleman, except a dealer authorized by Starlink (the list is in the Help Center).

So it is fine for your child to place the order online for you; paying an "agency" to open the account for you is not allowed under the terms.

Step 7: You can still make changes for a few hours after ordering. The Help Center says you can only cancel or change the shipping address while the order status is "Pending"; within 1 to 3 hours after you order, the status may change to "Preparing Shipment", and after that it can no longer be cancelled or changed. If it has already shipped, you can refuse delivery so the package goes back, or return it after it arrives (section 11).

How long delivery takes. The terms say you can see the estimated delivery time in your online account; a signature may be required on delivery.

After the equipment arrives

Step 8: Set it up following the instructions for your model. The Help Center article "How do I set up Starlink?" gives three steps:

1. Find a spot with a view of the sky (a view of part of the sky is often enough);
2. Plug it in and check that all the cables are firmly connected;
3. It will connect to the satellites within a few minutes. Older models with motors (such as the Standard Actuated) adjust their angle to find the satellites on their own, so do not move them by hand; for other models, use the alignment tool in the app.

Different models have different mounts, alignment methods and cables, so do not force the dish or change the connectors by following old videos. Once it is connected, set the Wi-Fi password in the app.

Step 9: Really use it during the 30 days. Try it in the daytime and in the evening: browse websites, make video calls, send files, and walk through every room; check whether the app shows obstruction warnings, whether it drops out and what the speed is. Only cancel your old Internet once you are sure the new one really works, so the whole family is not suddenly left without Internet.

Buying in a store, and buying used

Buying in a store. Before you buy in a store, enter your service address at starlink.com to see whether there is capacity. The Help Center says that in areas with limited capacity, Residential (which the Help Center calls Standard) and Priority plans cannot be activated, and you will be asked to start with Roam first and switch over once there is capacity in your area.

The authorized retailers in Canada listed by the Help Center are: Costco, Home Depot, Best Buy, London Drugs, Northwest Company, Walmart, Visions Electronics and Microcom. Equipment bought in a store must be activated at https://starlink.com/activate, where you choose a plan and add a payment method. The Help Center says that when new retail equipment is plugged in for the first time, it gives you one hour of Internet so you can finish signing up even without another connection. For returns, go to the store where you bought it and follow its rules.

Buy only from the official website or an authorized retailer. The Help Center says equipment not sold by an authorized retailer cannot be activated, breaks the terms, and service may be suspended right away. Starlink does not ship from its own company or office locations and does not let people pick up there; if someone tells you otherwise, it may be a scam, so check through Starlink's official channels. If you have already paid and think you were scammed, for how to report it to the police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, see section 8 of Guide No. 31, Card fraud and scam transfers.

Buying used: ask about these first. The Help Center pages on transferring ownership and on activation say:

• If the equipment is still on someone else's account, it cannot be activated; the original owner must first click "Transfer" in their account to move it off their account;
• If the original owner bought it on the website, it can only be transferred 120 days after purchase or 90 days after activation, whichever comes first; if it was bought in a store, 90 days after activation; it cannot be transferred if the account has an unpaid balance; rented equipment cannot be transferred;
• The warranty runs from the original purchase date and does not restart with a new owner.

Cheap used equipment is not necessarily easy to activate. Before buying, have the seller sort these out first, then pay.

Related: for what to do when something you bought online goes wrong or a store will not take a return, see Guide No. 45, Online shopping problems and returns.

7. When billing starts: you are charged even if you never open the box

When the first month's billing starts. The terms and the Critical Information Summary say billing starts on whichever of these three dates comes first (the terms call it the Payment Due Date; we use the same term below):

1. The day you activate the equipment;
2. The 7th day after Starlink delivers the equipment;
3. If there is no delivery record, the 30th day after shipping.

For example, if it is delivered on November 10 and you never open the box, billing for the first month starts on November 17. The Help Center also says that if you do not activate it within 7 days of delivery, it is activated for you automatically.

After that, you are charged on the same day each month. From the second month on, on the same day of the month as your Payment Due Date, the charge is taken automatically from your payment method on file. The Help Center says that if you activate on the 29th, 30th or 31st, your billing date from then on becomes the 28th of each month.

You pay even if you do not use it. The terms state that you must pay the monthly fee for any month you do not use it (unless your plan can be paused, section 10). Unplugging the power or deleting the app does not stop billing.

It has been 30 days since shipping and the equipment has still not arrived. The Help Center says that if you have been told billing is about to start but the equipment has still not arrived, the 30-day trial is extended by another 30 days, and a month of service credit is added to your account.

Where to see your bills. The terms say bills are only provided each month in your online customer account (called the Starlink Customer Portal; below, your "online account"), with no paper bills. The Help Center says the "Billing" page in your account shows the billing cycle and payment date, and you can click "Preview Next Invoice", which is updated daily.

Billing cycles run on UTC, so in B.C. act early. The Help Center says Starlink's billing cycles are based on UTC (Coordinated Universal Time): changing plans, cancelling and pausing must all be done before 12 midnight UTC on your billing date; after 12 midnight, it counts toward the next billing cycle. B.C. moved its clocks forward for the last time on March 8, 2026, and did not move them back on November 1; it now uses Pacific Time all year, always 7 hours behind UTC, so: 12 midnight UTC on your billing date is 5 p.m. B.C. time on the day before your billing date. For example, if your billing date is the 25th, get it done by 5 p.m. B.C. time on the 24th at the latest. To be safe, do it a day or two earlier.

If you fall behind on payments. The terms say: if you dispute a bill, you must pay the undisputed part on time; if the dispute is decided against you, or you simply do not pay on time, you must pay it, or Starlink will suspend your service until it is paid in full. If it is still unpaid after 24 days, Starlink can end the contract.

Starlink gives notice before raising prices or changing rules. The terms say Starlink can change plans, prices, terms, equipment models and specifications; for changes that are clearly to your disadvantage, it gives at least one month's notice by email, explaining what has changed and that you have the right to cancel. If you keep using the service after the notice, that counts as agreeing.

Related: for what UTC is, how to convert Eastern Time to B.C. time, and which time zone an online deadline is in, see sections 2, 9 and 10 of Guide No. 63, Canadian time zones at a glance.

8. What it is like to use: speed, upload, and what "unlimited data" means

The speeds in the Specifications are "expected", not guaranteed. The Starlink Specifications give the expected speeds for each plan when using high-speed data:

The Specifications also state: neither these speeds nor uninterrupted service are guaranteed; speeds will be slower than expected when many people are online; how fast it is depends on location, time of day and your plan's priority. The table also has an "Availability" row, which says 99% or more for every plan. The Specifications give no figure for latency (ping, meaning how quickly the network responds) and ask you to look at the map; latency is higher in remote areas such as Northern Canada. In the Specifications, the heading of the Roam column covers both Roam 100GB and Standby Mode, but the same document and the Help Center both say that in Standby Mode the top speed is 500 Kbps, so in Standby Mode count on 500 Kbps.

Many things affect speed. The Specifications list a long series: not installing as instructed, the installation environment, the dish's angle and field of view, the weather, the quality of your own phones and computers, interference from other devices, other Starlinks nearby, the quality and placement of cables, unstable power, too many devices online at once, fires, floods, high winds, lightning and earthquakes, food or drink spilled on the equipment, normal wear and tear, and so on.

Reminders from us (not Starlink's words):

• Streaming video mainly depends on download speed; video calls, sending photos and cloud backups also depend heavily on upload speed, and are hurt by even a brief dropout.
• A quick speed test on your phone does not mean a whole evening of meetings will be stable. Test several times, including in the evening when many people are online.
• If you already have good fibre at home, compare your own test results and bills; do not switch just because of the top download speed in the advertising.

"Unlimited data" does not mean full speed at all times. The Fair Use Policy says: the satellite network is a limited resource, Starlink must manage the network when many people are online, and may slow down some or all users when necessary; it treats all network traffic the same and does not treat it differently by content, sender or app. The Service Plan Descriptions say: if you consistently use much more than a typical household, Starlink may slow down your service; high-demand users can upgrade to a Priority plan. The Fair Use Policy also says your data use includes data the equipment uses automatically for network diagnostics, which is not necessarily data you used yourself.

Not for shops or business use. Both the Residential and Roam plans state that they are for individual and household use and may not be used for business or company purposes. The terms say nothing specific about joining video calls while working from home; our understanding is that this counts as ordinary household use, and if you are unsure, ask Starlink. For a shop, a work site, a public business hotspot or high-traffic business services, look at business options.

How long the equipment lasts. The Specifications say that if it is installed as instructed, well maintained, not damaged, not exposed to extreme weather, not connected to old or faulty devices, and used within the coverage area, the equipment should last at least 12, 24 or 36 months from delivery (see the Limited Warranty). Like other new technology products, the equipment will become outdated one day, and you may need to buy a newer model later for it to work well. The Limited Warranty says that in Canada, equipment such as Standard and Mini is under warranty for 12 months from the earliest purchase date on the website or from an authorized retailer; the warranty applies alongside your rights under local consumer protection laws and does not reduce them.

9. Taking it camping, on road trips and to the U.S.

Which plan to use on the move

Residential plans stay with your address. The Help Center page "Service Plan Changes" says Residential service is tied to the registered service address; to use it at another address, first change the service address in your account. Moving to a busy area may come with a demand surcharge, and the new address may not offer your current plan (sections 3 and 4).

If you often take it with you, look at Roam. A Roam account also needs a service address; the Help Center says this is for tax and billing and does not affect where you can use it, but the address must be in the country registered on the account.

Seasonal cabins and a few trips a year: do two sets of sums. A few trips a year and living full-time in an RV are two completely different calculations. First work out how much data each trip needs, whether to pause it in the months you do not use it, and how much is still charged while it is paused (section 10), then check whether the sky above the campsite is open. If a phone hotspot is already enough where you usually go, you do not necessarily need another kit.

Can you use it while driving or on a boat?

Residential plans: not while the vehicle is moving. The Help Center says no Residential plan may be used in motion.

Roam plans: can be used while a car or boat is moving, with conditions:

• The Help Center says Roam plans support in-motion use in approved places, at up to 100 miles per hour (160 km/h); Canada is on the approved list.
• Equipment that supports in-motion use: Standard 4, Standard 4 X, Starlink Mini and Performance (Gen 2 and Gen 3). Older models with motors (such as the Standard Actuated) are not recommended for in-motion use.
• The terms are strict: only models and mounts that Starlink designates for in-motion use, in countries where approval has been obtained, may be installed and used on a moving vehicle or boat; using unauthorized equipment voids the warranty, and Starlink may also end the contract. On a vehicle or boat, it must be installed on a sturdy, level surface with a dedicated in-motion mount, secured according to the installation instructions. If the equipment falls off a vehicle onto the road, it could cause a serious crash.
• So putting the dish loose on the car roof and driving off is not allowed.

On a boat:

• The Help Center says Roam plans can be used on inland lakes and rivers and at docks, and in coastal waters within 12 nautical miles of shore.
• The Service Plan Descriptions say Roam can be used in coastal waters for at most 5 days in a row, and 60 days in total in 12 months; farther out at sea, you must first turn on "Ocean Mode". Once it is on, all the data you use, whether the boat is at sea or you are back on shore, is charged per GB on top of the monthly fee. The Help Center says Ocean Mode is for Roam Unlimited customers, takes effect as soon as it is turned on, and stays on until you turn it off yourself; even on land, use is charged per GB. Remember to turn it off when you come ashore (our reminder).
• For people who only use it on a small boat, the Service Plan Descriptions also list a Personal Maritime plan: limited to personal boats under 40 feet, used in territorial waters; it may not be used on land or for business. The Service Plan Descriptions state at the start that the plans listed are not necessarily available to you; go by what you can choose in your account.

Going to the U.S. or abroad

Two official documents say different things, so always check before you go.

• The Help Center page "What are the Roam service plans?" says: Roam 100GB, 300GB and similar plans can be used in the registered country or in the same combined region. The "Traveling with Starlink Roam" page says the same further down, but the summary at the top only says they are for use in the registered country. The U.S. and Canada (plus Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands) count as one combined region. If your registered country is Canada, roaming within this region is not subject to the 30-day limit; but the same page also says that if you use it for too long in another country, Starlink may require you to move your service to that country. If you will be in the U.S. for several months, open a support ticket to ask first.
• The Service Plan Descriptions (Canadian version, published October 8, 2026) say: Roam 100GB and 300GB can only be used in the registered country.

Our suggestion: before taking Roam 100GB or 300GB to the U.S., open a support ticket in your account to ask, or temporarily upgrade to Roam Unlimited before you go (the Help Center says you can upgrade at any time).

Roam Unlimited abroad: it can be used outside the registered country for at most 30 days at a time. After 30 days, you must either upgrade to a business global plan, move your account to the new country (if you have moved there), or return to your registered country; once you are back, the 30 days start over. The Service Plan Descriptions also say that if you use it in another country for more than two months, Starlink can require you to move your registered address there or return to your account's country.

Before going abroad, complete "Travel Registration" first. The Help Center says: before using Starlink outside your registered country, you must register first, providing a passport or other government-issued photo ID. Using it in countries and territories where it has not launched may lead to service being limited or suspended right away: the Help Center says places marked "Coming Soon" or "Waitlist" on the map are all unauthorized, but the Service Plan Descriptions count both "Available" and "Waitlist" as authorized places. The two say different things, so before you go, check on the map whether your destination is "Available", and if you are unsure, open a support ticket to ask.

These travel rules are new. The Help Center says: customers who sign up from July 14, 2026 follow the new international travel rules; existing customers moved to the new rules on August 17, 2026. If an old online guide says it "works abroad for two months", do not follow it.

Follow local law in every country. The Help Center says some countries limit the length of stay more strictly for all plans; using international roaming to avoid taxes or local business registration is strictly prohibited.

Related: for what to bring and how long you can stay when going to the U.S. with Canadian status, see Guide No. 14, Going to the U.S.; for preparing before going into the backcountry, see Guide No. 22, Lost outdoors: prevention and survival.

10. Not using it for a while: pausing (Standby Mode) may still cost money

What pausing is. The Help Center says: you can switch your service to "Standby Mode" for what the Help Center calls a "small monthly fee" (we could not confirm the amount this time, so go by what your account shows), which gives you unlimited low-speed data at up to 500 Kbps, enough to send emergency messages, and makes it easy to reactivate where there is no signal.

Which plans can be paused. Residential, Roam and Priority plans can all be paused, but plans on promotional offers and some customers with rented equipment cannot; the Help Center also says the generation of hardware called "V5" cannot be paused (the Help Center does not say which model that is). If you do not see the pause option in the app, it is probably for one of these reasons; if you are not sure, open a support ticket to ask. Pausing is not meant for in-motion use, use at sea or heavy data use.

How to pause (website):

1. Log in to your account on starlink.com;
2. Click "Subscriptions" and choose the service you want to pause;
3. Click "Manage";
4. Choose "Pause Current Service";
5. Click "Confirm".

How to resume: in the same way, go to "Subscriptions" → choose the service → "Manage" → "Resume Service" → choose a plan → "Confirm".

A few things to know:

• If you pause before the current billing cycle ends, you keep your original service for the rest of that cycle.
• When you resume high-speed service, the monthly fee is charged right away on a prorated basis. If you resume before the next billing cycle starts, you are charged the usual monthly fee.
• Pausing does not "hold your place": if Residential plans in your area are full, when you resume you may not get your original Residential plan back and can only choose from the plans still available then.
• Data packs bought before pausing are not kept after you resume.
• If you have paid a demand surcharge at this address before, you do not pay it again when you resume at the same address after pausing; if you have not, you may have to pay it when you resume.
• If you stay paused for more than 12 months in a row, Starlink can require you to pay or change plans, or only let you connect to log in to your account.
• Changes are also based on UTC time (section 7).

So "paying nothing at all normally, and resuming right away at the original price when you need it" may not be possible.

11. Done with it: cancelling service, returning equipment and refunds

Cancelling service and returning equipment are two separate things

Cancelling service (website). The Help Center recommends doing it on the website:

1. Log in to your Starlink account;
2. On "Home", click "Your Subscription", then click "Manage" next to the service plan;
3. Click "Cancel Service".

What to know before and after cancelling:

• Cancel before the next bill is generated to avoid being charged for the next month. What the terms say is: to avoid being charged for the next month, you must cancel before the bill is generated. With the UTC rule (section 7), get it done by 5 p.m. B.C. time on the day before your billing date at the latest, and to be safe, a day or two earlier.
• Service continues until the end of the period you have already paid for, and you are not charged after that. If you want to restart after cancelling, it depends on whether there is still capacity in your area, so it may not be possible right away.
• Whether you get back fees you have already paid: the two documents say different things. The terms say: apart from deposits and the 30-day equipment return, you have no right to a refund. The Critical Information Summary says: you can cancel at any time in your online account, and Starlink will refund service fees you paid in advance but have not yet used. After cancelling, check the end date and the final bill shown in your account, and if you have questions, open a support ticket to ask.
• Keep screenshots. After cancelling, save the confirmation page and the confirmation email.
• Before a cancellation or pause takes effect, you can undo it by clicking "Resume" in the "Your service plan will end on ..." notice at the top of the page.
• Just unplugging the power, deleting the app or mailing the equipment back does not count as cancelling service.

Return the equipment within 30 days for a full refund

What the terms say. Section 6 of the terms says: equipment and accessories bought on starlink.com that are not damaged, not tampered with and not modified can be returned for a full refund within 30 days of the Payment Due Date, for any reason, including finding after setup that too much is blocking the sky to get a signal.

• Purchased equipment: the price of the equipment is refunded;
• Rented equipment: only the Activation Price is refunded;
• If it is returned on time, the first month's service fee or rental, the Congestion Charge and so on are also refunded;
• Shipping and handling are not refunded (section 4); do not expect anyone to pay you back for installation work you paid for separately.

Another document says "30 days after you receive it". The Critical Information Summary says: if the equipment is not damaged and is returned within 30 days of receiving it, you can get a full refund. The two wordings start counting from different days, so to be safe, count 30 days from whichever of the two days comes first.

How to return it (Help Center, "How do I return my Starlink kit?"):

1. Log in to your account, click "Subscriptions" and choose the service you want to return;
2. In the service plan box, click "Manage";
3. To return the equipment, you must cancel this service;
4. Tick "I would like to return my hardware"; if you do not see this option, your equipment is not eligible for return;
5. Confirm;
6. You will receive a prepaid return label by email, with the subject "Your Starlink Return"; remember to check your junk mail folder; you can also download it again from the order page on a computer.

Packing it to send back: first stow the dish: for Standard 4, Standard 4 X and Mini, fold the kickstand under the dish; for the round Standard, Standard Actuated and Performance Gen 1, in the app tap "Settings" → "Starlink" and slide "Stow Starlink"; if it will not stow, use a bigger box. Then pack it back in its box (if the original box is too small, a bigger box is fine); put only Starlink items inside, nothing else; stick the label on the outside of the box; and take it to the carrier shown on the label.

How long until you get your money. The Help Center page "Refunds" says: after the equipment reaches Starlink and is inspected, the refund starts within 2 weeks at most, and you will get an email then; after that, it takes up to 10 to 15 business days for the money to reach your bank. Deposit refunds are processed right away, but also take 10 to 15 business days to arrive.

After 30 days, the equipment is not refunded. The Help Center says equipment returned after 30 days is not refunded.

Rented, bought in a store, or bought outright

• Rented equipment: must be returned in good condition within 30 days of cancelling. Normal wear and tear is fine; if you do not return it, or it comes back damaged, you are charged the full price of the equipment, and you also pay for any loss, repair or replacement. Starlink will give you a return label.
• Bought in a store: return it to that store. The Help Center says that if you bought from an authorized retailer or reseller, contact them directly for a return.
• Bought outright on the website yourself: cancelling service does not necessarily mean returning the equipment. The Help Center says that if you cancel service during the return period and accidentally ticked the option to return the hardware, you can ignore the return label email and keep the equipment; you can reactivate it later or transfer it to someone else (section 6).

Do not forget the Change Fee. If your order includes a 12-month service commitment, cancelling means paying the Change Fee (section 4); there is none if you return the equipment as required during the first-month trial period. The Help Center also says that if you cancel service during the 30-day trial period but do not return the equipment, the Change Fee is also charged.

Related: for how to follow up step by step on online returns and refunds that have not arrived, see Guide No. 45, Online shopping problems and returns; for how to get money back if a bill overcharged you, see Guide No. 49, Checking and disputing your bills.

12. Who to contact if something goes wrong, and what to say

Go to Starlink first

Open a support ticket, which leaves a written record. The Help Center page "Contact Starlink Customer Support" says:

• In the app: tap "Support" → "Messages" → "Contact Starlink Support";
• On the website: log in → "My Account" → "Messages" → "New Ticket";
• If you have no account or cannot log in: use the Help Center's guest contact form (link at the end of this section).
• The Help Center says support is available 24 hours a day; online chat is answered first by an AI assistant (Grok), and you can also create a ticket directly.

Phone. The same page lists English phone support for the U.S. and Canada, 24 hours a day: 888-GO-STARLINK, that is, 888-467-8275. But Section 13 of the terms says that customer support is only provided through the online account and the Help Center, that Starlink does not provide inbound phone support, and that it has no obligation to provide phone service. The two say different things. Our suggestion: you can try calling, but for anything important, always open a support ticket so there is a record.

How to word a complaint. Starlink's Complaints Code of Practice says: to make a complaint, put "Consumer Complaint" and your Starlink account number in the ticket title, describe the problem and the outcome you want clearly, and leave your best contact details. If Starlink cannot reach you for more than 15 days, it will close the complaint; if it cannot be resolved, Starlink will give you a "Deadlock Notice" in your account.

Some common situations:

• The equipment arrives broken: open a support ticket saying which unit, which part is damaged and how many boxes were damaged, attach photos if you can, and confirm your shipping address (they may send you a new one). Dust falling out of the packaging does not mean it is used.
• It breaks while in use and you need warranty service: the Limited Warranty says you apply by describing the problem in detail through online support; once approved, you must send the faulty unit back, and if you do not, you may be charged for the new equipment; Starlink replaces it within 30 days of receiving your claim, and the replacement's warranty is 3 months or the rest of the original warranty, whichever is longer.
• You need replacement equipment: the Help Center suggests going to support for a replacement first rather than buying another unit in a store yourself; a unit bought separately becomes a new service and may come with a demand surcharge.
• The equipment is stolen: the terms say that if the equipment is stolen, destroyed or taken, you must report it in your online account right away, or charges from someone else using it may be counted as yours.
• The bill is wrong: the terms say billing disputes are raised in your online account; keep paying the undisputed part as usual.
• Note: Starlink's registered office address shown on invoices and online has no customer service and does not handle deliveries, returns and similar matters.

If you cannot reach agreement, go to the CCTS

The CCTS covers Starlink. The CCTS (Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services) is an independent non-profit organization that handles disputes about phone, Internet and TV services. Its list of participating companies includes Starlink, and Starlink's terms and Complaints Code of Practice also say that if you cannot resolve things with Starlink, you can go to the CCTS for free. The CCTS website states that its service is completely free and can be used by anyone in Canada, whatever their immigration status.

The CCTS newcomers page also says: you can authorize someone you trust to make a complaint for you; the CCTS does not deal with whether a service or plan is too expensive, or with problems with your own equipment (such as a phone or modem). Our understanding: if a Starlink dish you bought outright breaks, go to Starlink under the warranty (above in this section).

The process (CCTS website):

1. Go to Starlink first: explain the problem, give it a chance to deal with it, and note the date and what was said each time you contact it.
2. The online complaint form is best, and takes about 15 minutes to fill in. The CCTS checks whether the complaint is within its mandate; if it is, it accepts it and forwards the complaint to Starlink. Before you fill it in, have these ready (as listed on the CCTS website): your name, address and phone number, and if possible your Starlink account number; the name of the provider (Starlink); the specific details of your complaint, such as which service or product, and the dates when it happened or when you found out; the steps you have already taken with Starlink directly and how it responded (it is best to note down ticket numbers and dates; this is our suggestion); what you think would be a reasonable resolution; and your agreement to be bound by the CCTS Procedural Code, its Respectful Communication and Behaviour Policy and its Privacy Policy.
3. Starlink has 20 days to tell the CCTS whether it has been resolved.
4. If part of the complaint is about money you have not paid, once the complaint is accepted Starlink must stop trying to collect that part until the complaint is closed; money unrelated to the complaint must still be paid.
5. If it is still not resolved, the CCTS will mediate and investigate. If it finds the provider did something wrong, it can have the provider explain or apologize, fix the problem (such as correcting a billing error, restoring service or stopping collection), and pay compensation for documented financial losses of up to $5,000. The CCTS does not issue fines.

Phone: 1-888-221-1687. The CCTS says that, to help people who need it (especially people with disabilities), it may accept complaints by phone. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use TTY at 1-844-713-3010. If you cannot use the online form, you can also fax the complaint form to 1-877-782-2924, or mail it to P.O. Box 56067 – Minto Place RO, Ottawa, ON K1R 7Z1; the CCTS says that, to keep delivery delays to a minimum, it encourages people to use the online complaint form. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. In B.C. time this differs between winter and summer: in the months when the East is back on standard time (from the first Sunday in November to the second Sunday in March of the following year), it is 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. B.C. time; in the other months, it is 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The terms also have a section on "arbitration". Arbitration means a dispute is decided by an arbitrator instead of in court, and both sides must follow the decision. Section 12 of Starlink's terms says: this section only applies when neither Starlink nor the CCTS has resolved things to your satisfaction; both sides give up the right to go to court and have a judge or jury decide, and instead arbitration is run by the American Arbitration Association (AAA), in the Toronto area; you also cannot take part in a class action or class arbitration; if you start arbitration, Starlink pays the arbitration fees directly, but if the arbitrator finds your claim frivolous, Starlink can ask you to pay them back. Before starting arbitration, you must first write to starlinkresolutions@spacex.com describing the problem and the outcome you want, and you can only start arbitration if it is not resolved within 60 days. The terms also state that if the law where you live does not allow such an agreement, this section does not apply. We do not reach a conclusion on how this section applies in B.C.; if it really comes to that, you can have a lawyer look at it first, and you can check whether a lawyer is licensed on the Law Society of British Columbia website.

What to say (sample sentences we wrote; not Starlink's words)

• Ticket title: "Consumer Complaint – Account [your account number]"
• To cancel: "I would like to cancel my service. Please confirm the end date of my service and the amount of my final invoice."
• To return the equipment within 30 days: "I am returning my Starlink Kit within 30 days of my Payment Due Date for a full refund under Section 6 of the Terms of Service."
• If the bill is wrong: "I dispute the charge of [amount] on my invoice dated [date]. I will pay the undisputed amount. Please explain this charge."
• Before going to the U.S.: "I have a Roam 100GB plan registered in Canada. Can I use it in the United States, and do I need to complete Travel Registration first?"
• To tell Starlink you will go to the CCTS: "If we cannot resolve this, I will file a complaint with the CCTS."

Related: for an overcharged bill, which company to go to first and which organization next, see Guide No. 49, Checking and disputing your bills; for what to prepare for a CCTS complaint and what it can and cannot deal with, see section 12 of Guide No. 29, New rules for cellphones and home Internet.

13. Suggestions for different households (our own summary, not Starlink's words)

Households in Victoria that already have stable fibre or cable Internet: sticking with your current Internet is generally simpler. First check whether your bill is good value, whether your router is good enough, and which rooms have weak Wi-Fi. Only if your Internet really drops out often, and a second connection would clearly reduce the losses to your work and daily life, is it worth paying long-term for Starlink as a backup.

Remote homes: if your current Internet is slow or unreliable, or you cannot get it at all, Starlink is worth putting on your shortlist. First confirm that you can order at your real address, that there is a spot for the dish with nothing in the way, and that the power and installation costs are acceptable, then try it for 30 days. Do not skip checking your own home on site just because friends in the city are happy with it.

Travel and seasonal cabins: a few trips a year and living full-time in an RV are two different calculations. First look at how much data each trip needs, how much is still charged while it is paused when you are not using it, and whether the sky above the campsite is open. If a phone hotspot is enough where you usually go, you do not necessarily need another kit; Starlink is more useful only if you really often go places with no cell signal.

Backup for emergencies and work: prepare "another connection" and "backup power" together, and practise switching over in normal times. Starlink can be one of the routes, but it cannot replace a paper contact list, other ways to reach people and a family emergency plan.

Related: for how to prepare your family for emergencies, see Guide No. 21, Family emergency preparedness.

14. Checklist before you pay

• I have checked which plans I can order at my real address, and confirmed the prices are in Canadian dollars.
• I know whether the equipment is a purchase, a rental or an offer with conditions, whether there is a 12-month service commitment, and whether it must be sent back after cancelling.
• I have added up the monthly fee plus tax, the equipment, shipping and handling, any demand surcharge, installation and mounts, electricity and backup power.
• I have checked the dish location with the app, asked my landlord or property manager, and got written consent.
• The account is opened in my own name, and I have not paid any "agency".
• I know which day the first month's billing starts, which day the 30 days count from (whichever of the two days comes first), and that changes must be done by 5 p.m. B.C. time on the day before my billing date.
• If I will take it travelling, I have checked which countries the plan can be used in, whether I need Travel Registration, whether it can be used in motion and how use on a boat is charged.
• I know how to cancel service, how to return the equipment and how long refunds take, and I will keep screenshots after cancelling.
• I will really use it during the 30 days, and only stop my old Internet once I am sure the new one works.

Once you have thought all this through, you can order with more confidence. In the end, whether it is worth getting comes down to two things: whether it solves the Internet problem your home has now, and how much it costs per year to solve it.

Related guides

• → No. 29 · New rules for cellphones and home Internet
  Activation and plan change fees mostly not allowed since June 12, 2026 (section 3); whether you have to pay to cancel a cellphone or home Internet, notices before a contract ends, and the $100 cap on roaming abroad; if your bill is wrong, go to your provider first, then the CCTS (section 12).
• → No. 49 · Checking and disputing your bills
  How to check and dispute electricity, gas, water, credit card and medical bills, parking tickets and calls from collection agencies; for cellphone and home Internet bills, go to your provider first, then the CCTS (section 8); and how to raise a dispute on the phone and in writing (section 15).
• → No. 45 · Online shopping problems and returns
  B.C. online shopping rules when an order does not arrive, the wrong item comes, it is broken, you want to return it or a refund has not arrived; if you cancelled and the business will not refund you, go to your credit card company (section 11); and if the business still will not respond, how to escalate in writing and complain (section 14).
• → No. 21 · Family emergency preparedness
  Store water and food at home first, keep your grab-and-go bag light enough to carry, and write your family contact plan on paper; when the power and Internet are out, protect people first, then equipment and food (section 6).
• → No. 22 · Lost outdoors: prevention and survival
  Before heading into the mountains or along the coast: how to choose a route, check the weather and leave your trip plan with someone reliable; how phones, satellite phones and SOS devices differ, and why to test them before you go (section 7); and what to do first if you are really lost (section 9).
• → No. 14 · Going to the U.S.
  Which passport to travel to the U.S. with, why a visa's validity is not how long you can stay at a time, checking whether your entry is registered if you will stay 30 days or longer (section 3), how snowbirds count their U.S. days, and declaring what you bring back to Canada.
• → No. 44 · Home repairs: who to call
  When something breaks at home, first check whether there is any danger; if you rent, contact your landlord, and if you live in a strata, the property manager; if you own your home, hire licensed tradespeople for gas and electrical work, and how to check their licence with Technical Safety BC (section 9).
• → No. 31 · Card fraud and scam transfers
  Charges on your card that you did not make, or money sent to a scammer: what to do in the first hour, how much you may be responsible for with a credit card or a debit card, and how to report it to the police and then to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (section 8).
• → No. 63 · Canadian time zones at a glance
  Now that B.C. no longer changes its clocks, how many hours Victoria is from other provinces, Beijing and some large U.S. cities (sections 3, 7 and 8); what UTC is (section 2), how to convert Eastern Time to B.C. time when calling federal government lines (section 9), and how to work out online deadlines (section 10).

Main official links in this guide

These are all the official web pages used in this guide, sorted into groups by organization; the end of each section also lists the ones for that section. Starlink Canada's Terms of Service, Critical Information Summary, Service Plan Descriptions, Specifications, Fair Use Policy, Special Offers, Complaints Code of Practice, Limited Warranty and Help Center articles, and the pages of the CCTS, the Government of B.C., the B.C. Laws website, the National Research Council Canada, Technical Safety BC, the Law Society of British Columbia and Rogers were all read in the original on November 4, 2026. The pages in the first group, Starlink's website and account pages, only show their content when opened in a browser; this time we only confirmed the addresses and could not read what is on the pages, so the monthly fees and equipment prices were not verified. The CRTC Internet Code page could not be opened this time; the list of nine companies is taken from Guide No. 29. The CCTS online complaint form was also opened and checked on November 4; the SBPM contact page is listed as linked from the Starlink Help Center page. ISED's high-speed Internet page was read on November 4; the National Broadband Map only shows its content when opened in a browser, so we only confirmed its address and title and could not read what is in the map.

Starlink website and account (these pages only show their content when opened in a browser)

Starlink Canada legal documents

Starlink Help Center

CCTS (Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services)

Government and other