SpaceX Introduces ‘Starlink Mini’: Compact Satellite Internet Antenna for $599, Promising High-Speed Connectivity On-the-Go with 50GB Data Plan at $150/month
In a recent email blast to its clientele, SpaceX announced the launch of its latest innovation: the “Starlink Mini,” a smaller, portable version of its renowned Starlink antennas optimized for mobile usage. Priced at $599, these limited early access units aim to provide high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity on the go, fitting conveniently into backpacks for seamless portability.
The email emphasized SpaceX’s commitment to global accessibility, expressing intentions to gradually reduce costs to bridge the digital divide. “Our goal is to reduce the price of Starlink, especially for those around the world where connectivity has been unaffordable or completely unavailable,” stated the correspondence.
In addition to the initial hardware investment, the Starlink Mini service requires a monthly subscription fee of $150. This includes $30 on top of the standard $120 Residential service fee, offering 50 gigabytes of data per month. For additional data beyond the allocated limit, users incur an extra charge of $1 per gigabyte.
Compact and lightweight, the Starlink Mini antenna resembles the size and weight of a laptop, measuring just over two pounds and boasting dimensions of approximately 12 inches by 10 inches by 1.5 inches. Compared to its predecessor, the Mini is half the size and one-third the weight while maintaining robust functionality. Equipped with a built-in WiFi router, the device boasts lower power consumption while delivering download speeds exceeding 100 megabits per second.
Though the email refrained from specifying a delivery date for the Starlink Mini, Michael Nicolls, Vice President of Starlink Engineering, hinted at an imminent international release on social media. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk highlighted the ease of installation, noting that setting up a Starlink Mini takes less than five minutes.
Since its inception in 2020, SpaceX’s Starlink network has rapidly expanded, serving over 3 million customers in 100 countries with approximately 6,000 satellites in orbit. Initially catering to consumer needs, SpaceX has diversified its portfolio to encompass various sectors, including national security, enterprise, mobility, maritime, and aviation, revolutionizing the satellite communications landscape.
