SpaceX has introduced a more compact version of its Starlink satellite internet hardware labeled “Starlink Mini“. The cheaper offering is designed to provide high-speed internet wherever you go. The company has announced that a “limited number” of these units will be available at an initial cost of $599.
“Starlink Mini is a compact, portable kit that can easily fit in a backpack, designed to provide high-speed, low-latency internet on the go,” informs a customer email sent out by SpaceX on Wednesday to selected users.
Design and Portability
Weighing just over two pounds and measuring 12 inches by 10 inches by 1.5 inches, the Starlink Mini is similar in size to a laptop. According to SpaceX, it is a “compact and portable kit that can conveniently fit in a backpack,” making it an appealing choice for users needing mobile connectivity.
It features a built-in WiFi router and uses less power compared to other Starlink antennas, yet still delivers download speeds over 100 megabits per second.
Pricing and Service Plans
The Starlink Mini hardware is priced at $599, a $100 premium over the standard “Residential” model. The accompanying service plan costs $150 per month, which includes a $30 fee added to the $120 monthly Residential service. The package covers 50 gigabytes of data, with additional gigabytes available for $1 each. The “Mini Roam” service is operable across the United States.
SpaceX aims to make Starlink more cost-effective, particularly in areas where internet service is unavailable or prohibitively expensive. VP of Starlink Engineering Michael Nicolls mentioned on social media that production ramp-up is in progress, with international availability expected soon.
BREAKING: SpaceX has officially started selling Starlink Mini.
Early Starlink customers are being invited to purchase the Starlink Mini Kit for $599 and bundle the Mini Roam service with their existing Residential service plan for an additional $30/month (The kit price will drop… pic.twitter.com/anYVaxahGO
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) June 20, 2024
Since its introduction in 2020, SpaceX’s Starlink network has expanded to include around 6,000 satellites, connecting over 3 million users across 100 countries.
Initially serving consumer markets, SpaceX has since expanded its services to include sectors such as national security, enterprise, mobility, maritime, and aviation, presenting a competitive alternative in satellite communications.
Originally focused on consumer use, SpaceX has broadened the scope of its Starlink network to cater to additional markets like national security, enterprise, mobility, maritime, and aviation.
Last year Starlink achieved two significant milestones by acquiring 2 million active subscribers and reaching cash-flow breakeven.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 3:51 pm CET