Cash grab?
You think they make the equipment for free in Shangri LA? Is it more expensive than other phased array antennas? Did SpaceX suddenly jack up the price? Is Apple giving out free phones for their free SOS? Does SpaceX owe people phones so they can use direct to cell since that's also free?
You don't need to activate it to use it. You just plug it in and it works. There's no credit card to renew. Unless you want to activate it(there's a risk a thief would be able to resell it if you don't)
It was always an offer of free service without hardware. Like the mobile providers offering free services in the area, they aren't going to give you free equipment.
This is what was offered
"Starlink is providing free service for 30 days in regions affected by Hurricane Helene"
That's it. You can't extract free equipment from that statement. Even providers that give equipment without charge own it or tie it to a contract. What you pay SpaceX isn't an activation fee. You own your dish in full.
See how the guy who asked for this has several dishes? . https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1841207137420132549
