SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk, has announced the release of a compact version of its Starlink antennas called the Starlink Mini. The company claims that this portable kit, which can easily fit in a backpack, will provide high-speed, low-latency internet on the go. In an email sent to customers, SpaceX stated that the Starlink Mini is currently available in limited quantities for $599 each. Although this is $100 more than the base model “Standard” antenna sold with its Residential service, SpaceX intends to reduce the price in the future.
The email also mentioned that the monthly service cost for a Starlink Mini is $150, which includes a $30 per month bundle on top of the $120 per month Residential service. The Mini Roam service can be used anywhere in the United States but has a data cap of 50 gigabytes per month. Additional data will cost $1 per gigabyte. Despite the higher upfront cost and monthly service fee, SpaceX believes that the Starlink Mini will help reduce the overall cost of internet connectivity, particularly in areas where it is currently unaffordable or unavailable.
The Starlink Mini antenna is about the size and weight of a laptop, measuring at approximately 12 inches by 10 inches by 1.5 inches and weighing just over two pounds. It is half the size and one-third the weight of Starlink’s Standard antenna. Despite its compact size, the Starlink Mini comes with a built-in WiFi router and offers download speeds of over 100 megabits per second. The email did not provide a specific delivery date for the Starlink Mini, but SpaceX’s Vice President of Starlink Engineering, Michael Nicolls, mentioned on social media that production is ramping up and international availability is coming soon.
Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, expressed his excitement about the Starlink Mini in a recent post on social media. He stated that setting up the antenna takes less than five minutes and declared, “This product will change the world.” SpaceX’s Starlink network has been steadily expanding since its launch in 2020. Currently, there are approximately 6,000 Starlink satellites in orbit, serving over 3 million customers in 100 countries. Initially targeting consumer customers, SpaceX has expanded its offerings to include national security, enterprise, mobility, maritime, and aviation sectors, disrupting the satellite communications industry.
The introduction of the Starlink Mini represents another significant step for SpaceX in its mission to provide global internet coverage. By offering a compact, portable option for satellite internet, SpaceX aims to bring connectivity to remote areas and underserved communities. The reduced size and weight of the Starlink Mini make it a convenient solution for travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who needs reliable internet access on the go. As SpaceX continues to innovate and expand its Starlink network, it is poised to revolutionize the way people connect to the internet worldwide.
