What is the difference between Starlink Residential and Starlink Roaming?
Starlink Residential is intended for use at a fixed service address. Once activated, it primarily operates best within your registered location’s coverage area.
Starlink Roaming (also called “Portable” or “Regional Roaming”) allows users to take their Starlink equipment and use it in different locations within the same continent or coverage zone, offering more flexibility for travel, camping, or temporary setups.
Can I travel with a Residential plan?
If you have a Residential plan, Starlink offers a feature called “Portability”, which lets you temporarily move your dish to a new location.
However, it is not designed for full-time roaming, and service quality may be prioritized behind stationary users.
If you frequently move locations, it’s recommended to upgrade to a Roaming plan for optimal performance and full roaming support.
What about the hardware — is it different between Residential and Roaming?
No, the hardware is the same for both Residential and Roaming services.
Available kits include:
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Standard Kit: $549 AUD
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Mini Kit: $599 AUD
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Delivery: $34 AUD
The service plan you choose determines your data usage terms — not the equipment itself.
Are there speed or performance differences?
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On Residential at your registered address, you usually receive the highest available priority speeds.
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On Roaming, service is provided on a “best effort” basis.
Roaming users may experience slightly slower speeds during peak times, especially if local networks are congested.
Can I switch between Residential and Roaming?
Yes, Starlink offers the flexibility to change your plan via your Starlink account portal.
However, switching too frequently may not always be immediate, and you should check whether your region currently has active plan availability. If you are in an area that is at capacity, you could be charged additional fees when going back to Residential.
Something also to note is that if you are using Roaming in one location for more than 2 months, Starlink may contact you to discuss your plan. Roaming is intended for moving locations more often.
Can I roam internationally?
Standard Roaming plans typically allow usage across the same continent.
For global roaming across different continents, Starlink has introduced specific services like Global Roaming, but availability and terms vary — check your Starlink account for the latest options.
Which plan is better for me?
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Choose Residential if you primarily use Starlink at a fixed home or business location.
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Choose Roaming if you travel often, use a caravan, RV, boat, or need internet across multiple sites regularly.