Starlink, the satellite internet constellation service operated by SpaceX, has launched Starlink Mini, a new compact and portable version of its satellite internet service.
Starlink Mini is designed for those in remote locations or those who need internet access on-the-go, according to the satellite internet service provider, Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, the US technology billionaire that owns social media service, X.
“Our goal,” Starlink said, “is to reduce the price of Starlink, especially for those around the world where connectivity has been unaffordable or completely unavailable.”
“Our goal,” Starlink said, “is to reduce the price of Starlink, especially for those around the world where connectivity has been unaffordable or completely unavailable.”
Starlink Mini unwrapped
In terms of design, Starlink Mini is a smaller, more portable version of the traditional Starlink kit. The Starlink Mini kit is designed to be easily transportable. The entire kit, which includes the Starlink terminal, power supply, kickstand, pipe adapter, and cables, can fit into a backpack. Starlink said that the terminal itself provides Wi-Fi connectivity for up to 128 devices within a 1,200 square foot area.
Starlink owner, Musk, while writing in a post on X said that during a test, the Starlink Mini achieved a 23ms latency, making the data transfer fast. He also revealed that the Mini can be a “great low-cost option for a good backup Internet connection if your landline goes out.”
Starlink Mini is intended to be a more affordable option than the traditional Starlink internet service. However, the price varies depending on the market. Starlink says that in regions with high usage, like the US, its Mini kits are offered at a higher price point due to the additional demand on the satellite network.
Starlink Mini availability
The Starlink Mini kit which costs $599 is currently available for purchase in Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Panama. In the United States, Starlink Mini is only available to a small group of users who received an invitation. Starlink says it is planning to expand to other markets, but does not have any estimated dates at this time. Starlink offers a “Mini” Service plan specifically designed for personal, family, or household use at a fixed location in select markets.
Here’s how the Starlink Mini Service works:
Starlink is offering unlimited deprioritized data where users will receive an unlimited amount of data, but speeds may be slower compared to standard Starlink plans during peak usage times. Speeds are expected to range from 50 to 100 Mbps, compared to 150-250 Mbps for the standard plan. Starlink says that the mini plan comes with stationary use only, in-motion and ocean use are not supported with the Mini Service. In addition, there is limited upgradability, according to Starlink, “users can only upgrade to Mobile Regional, and no other service plans.”
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