SpaceX is expanding its reach in the US market for its satellite internet service, Starlink, by partnering with one of the country’s most popular retailers, Costco. This move is part of SpaceX's strategy to increase Starlink's user base and make the service more accessible to a wider audience.

As of early December, Costco started listing the high-performance Starlink dish on its website, Costco.com. This particular model, designed primarily for businesses, boats, or RVs, is being sold at $2,499 – the same price as on Starlink’s own website. However, a notable advantage of purchasing through Costco is the offer of two months of free internet service upon activation. This added incentive could appeal to potential customers considering the service's cost, which starts at $140 per month for the business tier and $250 per month for the roam plan in the US.

This partnership with Costco aligns with SpaceX's ongoing efforts to broaden the retail availability of Starlink. The company has previously collaborated with Costco to sell Starlink kits in other countries like Japan and has also made the service available at physical stores in Canada. Additionally, Starlink kits are being sold at other major US retailers such as Best Buy and Home Depot, further indicating SpaceX’s aggressive marketing approach.

The expansion into retail spaces comes amidst SpaceX's goal to significantly increase its user base. Originally, the company aimed to have 20 million users by 2022, but as of now, it serves over 2 million. By making Starlink more readily available through popular retail outlets, SpaceX is likely hoping to attract more customers and move closer to its ambitious user target.

Overall, SpaceX's partnership with Costco and other retailers marks a strategic move to enhance the visibility and accessibility of Starlink, potentially accelerating its growth in the competitive satellite internet market.