SpaceX has introduced a compact version of its Starlink antennas, branded as “Starlink Mini,” designed for mobile satellite internet connectivity. According to a customer email from SpaceX, the Starlink Mini is a portable kit that fits easily in a backpack and delivers high-speed, low-latency internet on the go. This new product is being offered in a limited early access release for $599, which is $100 more than the base model Standard antenna sold with the company’s Residential service. SpaceX aims to reduce this price over time to make connectivity more affordable and accessible globally.
The Starlink Mini antenna weighs just over two pounds and measures approximately 12 inches by 10 inches by 1.5 inches, making it about half the size and one-third the weight of the Standard antenna. It includes a built-in WiFi router and features lower power consumption while still achieving download speeds of over 100 megabits per second. SpaceX is marketing this portable antenna as a solution for internet users who need reliable connectivity in various locations.
In addition to the hardware cost, the Starlink Mini service costs $150 per month, which includes a $30 per month bundle added to the $120 per month Residential service. The Mini Roam service can be used anywhere in the United States and comes with a 50-gigabyte data cap per month, with additional data priced at $1 per gigabyte.
The email from SpaceX did not specify the exact start date for Starlink Mini deliveries. However, Michael Nicolls, Vice President of Starlink Engineering, indicated on social media that the company is ramping up production and plans to make Starlink Mini available in international markets soon. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk also commented on social media, stating that setting up a Starlink Mini takes less than five minutes and expressing confidence that the product will have a significant global impact.
Since its launch in 2020, SpaceX has expanded its Starlink network and offerings. Currently, there are about 6,000 Starlink satellites in orbit, connecting over 3 million customers in 100 countries. Originally targeting consumer customers, SpaceX has since broadened its reach to include national security, enterprise, mobility, maritime, and aviation markets, challenging the traditional satellite communications sector.
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