SpaceX is now rolling out the Starlink Mini, a laptop-sized satellite dish designed to provide satellite internet anywhere for $50 a month. This comes after a few brief weeks of testing with existing subscribers.
The Starlink Mini is a compact, portable solution that fits in a backpack, making it perfect for travelers and digital nomads who require reliable internet on the go.
SpaceX launches Starlink Mini Kit, a portable satellite internet dish for $599, with plans starting at $50/month for 50GB of data.Image via Starlink
What is the Starlink Mini Kit?
The Starlink Mini Kit is a smaller, more portable version of SpaceX's satellite internet system.
It integrates a dish and Wi-Fi router into a weatherproof package significantly smaller and more power-efficient than previous models.
The kit can even be powered by a USB-PD power bank capable of 100W, though its high power draw means most batteries won't last more than an hour or two.
Starlink Mini Pricing and Plans
The Starlink Mini Kit is available for $599, $100 more than the Standard Kit, which is now discounted in some regions.
Elon Musk has suggested that in areas where internet connectivity is either unaffordable or unavailable, the Starlink Mini could be offered at half the standard price, around $299.
The Mini Kit comes with a new $50/month satellite internet plan that includes 50GB of data. For users needing unlimited data, there is a $150/month roaming plan available.
Both the Regional and Mini Roam services offer flexible options, allowing users to pause their service between adventures. The Regional service costs $150 per month for unlimited portable data in North America, with an option to pay per GB for in-motion use, while the Mini Roam service offers 50GB of portable or in-motion data for $50 per month.
Initially, the Starlink Mini was only available as an add-on for current Residential subscribers in the United States. However, it is now available for general purchase, opening up to more people who wish to stay connected no matter where they are.
Unlike the Standard Kit, which can be bought at retailers like Best Buy, the Starlink Mini set is currently only available directly from SpaceX.
Earlier, SpaceX introduced a 'Regional Savings' program offering a $200 discount on its satellite dish for eligible regions. This discount is available in 29 states in the US and several regions in Canada with abundant network availability.
Under this program, the Starlink Kit is now priced at $299, down from $499. New and existing users can apply for this discount when changing addresses.
Early reviews from users who tested the Starlink Mini Kit have been positive, with many praising its portability and performance. Despite being more expensive than the Standard Kit, the convenience and functionality of the Mini Kit make it a worthwhile investment for those needing reliable internet on the go.
