Starlink for Piso WiFi Business: What You Need to Know

Can you use Starlink for Piso WiFi or Piso Net business? Here are the important details that you need to know.

In the Philippines, the pay-per-use public WiFi service is usually called "Piso WiFi" or "Piso Net." This business entails placing a WiFi hotspot (vendo machine) in a public place like a coffee shop or waiting room and charging customers a cheap price, usually one Philippine peso (thus "Piso WiFi"), for a specified period of internet access time (for example, 1 peso for 10 minutes, 5 pesos for 1 hour).

Many Filipinos use mobile data for internet access; hence, Piso WiFi services are popular. Malls, transportation terminals, and markets have Piso WiFi hotspots, which are cheaper than mobile data plans. The service is usually accessed by connecting to the Piso WiFi network and purchasing access using a mobile app or by sending a text message. The concept of Piso WiFi is simple: customers insert coins or bills into the vending machine, which provides them with a password to access the WiFi network.

Here is a detailed guide about Piso WiFi and how you can have one for your business: https://www.tp-link.com/ph/blog/1123/a-guide-to-understanding-piso-wifi-5-things-you-need-to-learn-about-piso-wifi/

In February 2023, Starlink, Elon Musk's SpaceX-owned satellite-based ISP, was launched in the Philippines. Starlink provides high-speed internet connectivity worldwide, especially in areas where standard internet service providers are unavailable or too expensive. It delivers high-speed, low-latency internet via a network of tiny satellites in low Earth orbit.

Also read:

Starlink Philippines: Price, Where to Buy, How to Avail

With the launch of Starlink in the country, many subscribed to the service due to its ability to provide fast internet, even in remote areas. That being said, many subscribers are also curious if Starlink can be used for business, especially Piso WiFi.

Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions about Starlink for the Piso WiFi business.

Summary

Can I use Starlink (Residential Plan) for my Piso WiFi business?

• Legal answer - No. Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)/Fair Use Policy (FUP) specifically specifies that you cannot resell the service. This is a residential service.
• Pinoy answer - Yes, you may, but at your own risk. Other telcos (PLDT/Globe/Converge/etc.) have the same policy for residential plans, but they usually ignore this. Starlink may enforce the policy, so do not abuse the service. We want to earn and have the community access that telcos can't provide to us Filipinos, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Detailed Answers

Can I use Starlink for my Piso WiFi business?

Using Starlink for a Piso WiFi service would violate the Starlink terms of service (TOS), as it is not allowed to share or resell the Starlink service without prior written consent from Starlink.

Under the Article 2. Agreement to Purchase Starlink Kit and Services, Section 2.2, of Starlink Terms of Service, we can read the following statement:

No Resale. You may not resell access to the Services to others as a stand-alone, integrated or value-added service under this Agreement.

Therefore, using Starlink for a Pisowifi service is not permitted and would be a violation of the terms of service.

What happens to a Starlink residential account providing internet via a Piso WiFi service if caught by SpaceX? And what about if it's not caught doing so and no action is taken for several months or years?

According to Starlink, a residential account that provides internet access via a Piso WiFi service is in violation of the TOS. If SpaceX discovers the violation, the account may be terminated, and the user may be responsible for any losses. The company also says that it has the right to use any and all legal options it has. This includes but is not limited to, seeking injunctive relief (a court order to stop the violation) as well as recovery of any damages for the violation.

Meanwhile, if the breach is not caught immediately, SpaceX may still take action against the Starlink account holder at any time in the future, as the terms of service state that the company may enforce these terms at any time. Thus, even if the Starlink account holder has been providing internet access via a Piso WiFi or Piso Net service for several months or even years without getting caught, they are still subject to termination of the account and any other legal action that the company may take against them if the violation is found.

Conclusion

Using Starlink (Residential) for your Piso WiFi business may be considered at your own risk because it may violate the internet provider's terms of service, as it explicitly prohibits using the service for commercial purposes, including reselling.

If Starlink detects that you are using their service for commercial purposes, they may terminate your service without notice. Additionally, there may be legal and financial implications if you are found to be violating Starlink's terms of service.

Therefore, it is advisable to carefully review the terms of service of any internet service provider you plan to use for your business to avoid any potential legal or financial consequences.

Sources:

Terms of Service - https://www.starlink.com/account/legal/documents/DOC-1207-56862-73?regionCode=PH

Fair Use Policy - https://www.starlink.com/legal/documents/DOC-1206-39789-81?regionCode=PH

Acceptable Use Policy - https://www.starlink.com/legal/documents/DOC-1001-59234-61?regionCode=PH