Residents across rural and recovering regions of North Carolina—particularly in the western part of the state—are encountering an unexpected hurdle when signing up for Starlink: a $500 demand surcharge, doubling the cost of their internet setup. That’s in addition to the standard $349 hardware kit, pushing the initial investment to $849—a steep price for many families and businesses.
At XNET WiFi, we believe connectivity shouldn’t come with surprise fees. Here’s why we’re the smarter, more affordable choice for North Carolinians.
What’s Driving the $500 Surcharge in North Carolina?
Starlink recently removed its waitlists nationwide, but in high-demand regions—including parts of rural North Carolina and areas recovering from Hurricane Helene—new customers now face a hefty one-time surcharge of up to $500 upon signup. This fee appears to be a measure to reduce congestion in overstretched satellite zones (WCNC, RV Travel).
One NC resident voiced frustration on social media:
“$100, $200… fine. Still ridiculous, but fine. But $500, when people have already been through so much… savings depleted.” (SatelliteInternet.com)
XNET WiFi vs. Starlink: North Carolina Comparison
| Feature | XNET WiFi (NC) | Starlink (Rural NC) |
|---|---|---|
| Download Speeds | 300–1000 Mbps (via 4G/5G) | ~60–120 Mbps in congested satellite zones |
| Upfront Cost | Minimal setup fee | Up to $849 ($500 surcharge + $349 kit) |
| Monthly Cost | $65–$140/month | Around $120/month |
| Data Policy | Unlimited (light throttle after 1.2 TB) | No hard cap, but speeds may slow in congestion |
| Installation | Plug-and-play router | Requires dish, roof access, and fine-tuning |
| Weather Impact | None | Slower speeds in storms, heavy rain or snow |
Why North Carolinians Are Flipping to XNET WiFi
- Lower Cost, Higher Value — No surprise surcharge. Just affordable, blazing-fast internet.
- Faster, Less Troubled Speeds — Our 4G/5G-backed service handles heavy usage without satellite-like slowdowns.
- Hassle-Free Setup — No dish, installers, or roof-work—just plug in and go.
- Reliable Performance — Weather, storms, or rural terrain don’t affect us.
The Bottom Line for North Carolina Internet Shoppers
If you’re in rural North Carolina and tired of connectivity that’s both slow and expensive, XNET WiFi offers a smarter, more future-ready solution. Why pay $500 extra when you can get far better performance and more transparent pricing with a modern wireless setup?
Ready to check availability in your area? Explore XNET WiFi options now »