📰 News — August 31, 2026
Starlink has launched a tier built for small boat owners: Personal Maritime, at $185/month. Its purpose is clear — it removes the 30-day international limit that angered the cruising community in July. But it arrives with an expensive deadline attached: open-ocean data pricing triples on September 27.
This tier was announced by email to selected customers on August 27 and is not yet publicly listed on starlink.com. It appears to be a soft launch. Confirm terms directly with support before making a decision.
What Personal Maritime covers
- $185/month, unlimited data
- Coverage within 12 nautical miles of any coastline worldwide (territorial waters)
- No 30-day international limit — this is the core of the offer
- Vessels under 40 feet only, personal use
Who’s excluded
Starlink has drawn firm lines. The plan does not apply to:
- yachts and larger private vessels
- commercially operated vessels, including ferries and commercial fishing boats
- any land use
Signing up isn’t a button click either. You submit a support ticket with the vessel name, flag state, length overall, a unique identifier (hull identification number, MMSI or ITU call sign) and a copy of the registration certificate. That verification step signals the under-40-foot limit will be enforced, not treated as an honour system.
The September 27 deadline
Ocean Mode goes from $2 to $6 per gigabyte
Beyond 12 nautical miles, the connection switches to Ocean Mode, billed by usage. As of September 27, 2026, that rate triples — and the change applies to existing Roam Unlimited subscribers too, not just new customers.
In plain terms: 20 GB offshore goes from $40 to $120.
Does it make sense for Canadian boaters?
For most, probably not — and that’s worth saying plainly.
- Great Lakes, St. Lawrence, inland lakes: you’re in inland waters, well inside what standard Roam plans already cover. Personal Maritime adds nothing at a significantly higher price.
- Coastal cruising in BC or the Maritimes: Roam plans already treat Canada and the US as a single region with no 30-day counter. See the roaming rules →
- Long voyages outside North America (Caribbean, transatlantic, circumnavigation): this is where Personal Maritime earns its price, because it removes the 30-day ceiling.
Personal Maritime fixes a misstep: the 30-day cap imposed in July simply didn’t fit long-distance cruisers. But the Ocean Mode increase gives with one hand and takes with the other — for boaters who genuinely sail offshore, the total bill could rise despite the new plan. Run the numbers on your actual usage before September 27.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use it at my cottage between trips?
No. Land use is explicitly excluded. For a cottage you want Residential or Roam. See cottage options →
My boat is 42 feet. Do I qualify?
No. The limit is under 40 feet, and Starlink requests the registration certificate to verify it.
I’m on Roam Unlimited. Should I switch?
Only if you cruise more than 30 consecutive days outside your home region. Otherwise your current plan is cheaper — but note the Ocean Mode increase affects you as well.
Where do I sign up?
Through a support ticket with your vessel documents. It isn’t available as self-serve on the site yet.
Cruising mainly in Canadian waters?
A standard Roam plan is likely enough. Check your options and get your first month free through our official referral link.
Full guide: Starlink on a boat in Canada →
Based on the August 27-28, 2026 announcement as publicly reported. The plan is not yet listed on starlink.com; confirm terms with support. Last updated: August 31, 2026.
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