SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service is becoming increasingly portable and accessible. The startup, renowned for its innovative space-powered technology, has successfully released a compact cell mini-antenna that can effortlessly fit into a backpack.
When showcasing our innovative product on X in June, I immediately set it up properly and began writing this blog post from home. Took lower than 5 minutes. Simply carried in a backpack. Elon Musk boldly proclaimed that his latest product would revolutionize the world. To support this claim, he shared what appeared to be a speed test screenshot, showcasing impressive figures: a download rate of 100 Mbps, an upload rate of 11.5 Mbps, and a latency of just 23 milliseconds.
When the satellite internet terminal launched in June, its availability was initially restricted to customers signing up for a residential Starlink subscription, limiting accessibility to a specific subset of users. SpaceX has since abolished the necessity for Starlink Mini, making it accessible to everyone.
SpaceX announces that its Mini, priced at $599, will provide global internet access across the United States. Service pricing for the 50GB Mini Roam plan is available, with an alternative option of unlimited data for $150 per month through Cell Regional. You’ll have the flexibility to start, stop, and restart your service as needed, with payment terms structured around a monthly cycle. While in-motion usage is limited on the Mini Roam service plan, On-Cell Regional customers can choose to enable it globally via the GB option.
The compact machine tips the scales at just over two kilograms and measures a diminutive 12 by 10 by 1.5 inches, roughly equivalent in size to a standard letter-sized sheet of paper, albeit significantly thicker. The Starlink Mini is significantly smaller and lighter than its daily counterpart, utilizing substantially fewer resources. If concerns about preserving the security of your Starlink Mini outdoor usage are paramount, be aware that this device is engineered to operate effectively within a temperature range of minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, boasting an IP67 rating for dust- and water-resistance.
When venturing into areas without reliable cellular coverage, the Starlink Mini may be your most suitable option.
