Some Memphis and Southaven citizens are snapping up Starlink's discounted offer.
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Critics say that Elon Musk is simply making this move to buy goodwill with his neighbors, especially as his data centers have been in hot water over the deployment of unpermitted turbines to deliver much-needed power. "Communities in Memphis and North Mississippi aren’t asking for discounted internet service,” SELC Senior Attorney Amanda Garcia told PCMag . “They're asking xAI to shut down its illegal, unpermitted power plant that continues to pump out staggering amounts of harmful (sic) pollution, including smog-forming nitrogen oxides, fine particulate matter, and hazardous chemicals like formaldehyde.” While SpaceXAI has since promised to remove all 69 of its unpermitted generators , it says it will do so only over a span of one year as its 1.2 GW power plant comes online to replace them.
Since late June, ~2,000 members of the greater Memphis and Southaven area have signed up for @Starlink high-speed, reliable internet at half the price.SpaceX is continuing the offer, providing a 50% discount on Starlink Residential service plans to new and existing customers.… pic.twitter.com/du7CZ8mCI8 September 2, 2026
However, those competitors offer fiber-based connections with speeds up to 300 Mbps, meaning users would be getting a downgrade if they switch over. However, some users in the r/memphis subreddit commented that this is a great option for areas of Memphis and Southaven that still lack fiber access, and it could also be a useful backup for those who need reliable internet service. There were also several complaints about outrageous fees from other options, which drive their internet costs well above $40, making the $27.50 monthly fee for the 100 Mbps Starlink plan a tempting option. Interestingly, the company is also offering the same discount in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana, where SpaceX plans to build its new spaceport.
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Key considerations
- Investor positioning can change fast
- Volatility remains possible near catalysts
- Macro rates and liquidity can dominate flows
Reference reading
- https://www.tomshardware.com/service-providers/network-providers/SPONSORED_LINK_URL
- https://www.tomshardware.com/service-providers/network-providers/over-2-000-subscribers-grab-discounted-starlink-plans-in-tennessee-and-mississippi-spacexai-offers-50-percent-off-for-people-living-near-its-data-centers-and-other-developments#main
- https://www.tomshardware.com/membership
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Informational only. No financial advice. Do your own research.