A broadband alternative becomes more tempting as the price drops, but there’s a catch

HOUSEHOLDS fed up with slow broadband may finally have a cheaper alternative in sight.

Billionaire Elon Musk, 52, has been beaming internet via satellite to homes with his Starlink service for a few years.

It’s the same crucial technology that was rushed to Ukraine as the country fought to stay connected during the ongoing war against Russia.

The only problem is that the satellite-based alternative is very expensive compared to traditional broadband providers.

This would be a huge help to remote rural homes with lower incomes

User on X/Twitter

Currently, you have to pay £75/$120 USD per month for the Standard plan.

But it looks like Starlink is exploring a cheaper package.

According to New Zealand, a new ‘Deprioritized’ service plan has emerged ISPreview.

This reportedly only costs $79 NZD per month, which is just over £38 / $45 USD.

But as the name suggests, it comes with some limitations.

Firstly, it is only available at a valid location in New Zealand and must be a permanent location on land (i.e. no traveling around with it in the car).

Users get an unlimited amount of standard data every month with no long-term contracts or obligations.

However, during peak hours this will take priority over the standard service.

“This means that speeds for Deprioritized Service may be slower than Standard Service when our network has the most users online,” the company explains.

This should mean speeds range from 50 – 100 Mbps, compared to 150 – 250 Mbps with Standard, which is still faster than some people are currently receiving in rural areas.

Households frustrated with their existing broadband internet are keen to know if the service will be rolled out to other countries.

“Any chance of @Starlink expanding the new low-cost Deprioritized Service Plan, which currently only exists in New Zealand, to the UK?” wrote a user on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“This would be a huge help for remote, lower-income rural homes.”

Another wrote: “It would be great if this came to the US!”

There are other broadband alternatives on the market, such as 5G home broadband – read The Sun’s review of Vodafone’s service.

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Little-known objects that can disrupt your Wi-Fi

People don’t realize how many objects in their home can affect their Wi-Fi signal and slow down performance. Here are some you may have missed.

• Microwaves (when they are on)
• Baby monitors
• Aquariums
• Mirrors
• Bluetooth devices
• Cordless telephones