SpaceX has launched the Starlink Mini, a more portable version of its satellite internet product, designed to fit easily into a backpack.Â
This compact device will appeal to travellers for its portability and for those seeking reliable backup internet options.Â
The Starlink Mini kit is priced at $599, which is $100 more than the standard Starlink kit. Early customers have the option to bundle the Mini Roam service with their existing plan for an additional $30 per month, although this service comes with a data cap of 50 gigabytes per month.Â
This brings the total monthly cost to $150 for residential customers opting for this portable internet solution. SpaceX has indicated that it aims to reduce the kit’s price in the future, making Starlink more affordable and accessible worldwide.
The Starlink Mini antenna is lightweight, weighing around 2.5 pounds with its kickstand. This makes it approximately 60% lighter than a standard Starlink dish.Â
Despite its smaller size and reduced weight, the Starlink Mini is capable of delivering download speeds exceeding 100 megabits per second.Â
The first units of this new product are expected to be delivered in July, bringing enhanced internet experience for users who require mobility.
SpaceX is diversifying its product offerings and expanding its customer base. Since its launch, Starlink has been a key player in the satellite internet market, with a network of over 6,000 satellites that serve more than 3 million customers across 100 countries.Â
Initially targeting consumer customers, SpaceX has progressively expanded into various other markets, including national security, enterprise, mobility, maritime, and aviation sectors. This expansion has disrupted the existing satellite communications industry, bolstering SpaceX its impact on global internet connectivity solutions.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has highlighted the convenience and potential of the Starlink Mini. He noted that setting up the Starlink Mini takes less than five minutes, making it an ideal solution for users in need of a quick and reliable internet connection.
Musk also suggested that the Mini could serve as a low-cost backup option for situations where landline connections fail, offering a robust alternative in areas prone to connectivity issues.
The rollout of the Starlink Mini comes at a time when SpaceX is ramping up production and planning to make the device available in international markets soon. Michael Nicolls, Vice President of Starlink Engineering, mentioned in a social media post that the company is intensifying production efforts for the Starlink Mini to meet anticipated demand.
Starlink’s mission to provide high-speed, low-latency internet to underserved regions of the world has seen significant progress. The company has consistently worked towards reducing the cost of its service and hardware to make it more accessible.
The introduction of the Starlink Mini is another step in this direction, aiming to bridge the connectivity gap in regions where traditional internet infrastructure is lacking or nonexistent.
The compact and portable nature of the Starlink Mini makes it particularly great for travellers, remote workers, and outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable internet access on the go.Â
The device’s lightweight design and ease of setup also make it a practical choice for emergency situations where quick deployment of internet services is important.
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