First unveiled a couple of years ago, Starlink previewed a future where every part of the globe had access to fast internet connectivity. The idea of using a mesh of satellites to beam internet signals to small dish-like receivers suggested humanity could reduce its reliance on cellphone towers. While it seemed interesting, the standard Starlink gadgetry required access to a meaty power source on the consumer’s front, which limited its scope. Hence, SpaceX engineers got together and came up with Starlink Mini – a new approach to access satellite broadband connectivity.
If the name didn’t make it obvious enough, Starlink Mini is essentially a miniaturised version of the standard Starlink gear. The idea behind this compact version is to make Starlink’s convenience accessible to more people who don’t always have access to a beefy power source. Think of campers, hikers, construction workers, maritime professionals and explorers who usually rely on small power banks to keep their gadgets like smartwatches, cameras, phones and laptops running.
But are there any trade-offs? Does the ‘Mini’ factor dampen the overall user experience and give enough reasons to get the full-blown version of Starlink’s service? Let’s find out.
Starlink Mini: Does it revolutionise satellite internet?
In essence, yes. Starlink Mini could be the next big thing in the world of mobile internet connectivity.
The core difference between a regular Starlink gear and the Starlink Mini is the size and packaging of the gadgetry on the consumer end. Starlink Mini is supposed to be more portable and run on low-power output sources.
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Unlike the standard service that provides a dish antenna, a Wi-Fi router and cables, Starlink Mini integrates the Wi-Fi router within the dish antenna housing. The entire unit is almost as big as the size of an average 14-inch laptop! The compact setup can also run on DC power instead of AC, thereby providing the ability to run on mobile power sources like power banks and portable battery units.
Starlink Mini’s specifications at a glance
Starlink says that the Mini kit can make do with power input which is as low as 20W! This means that if your power bank or portable battery can dish out power via a USB-C PD port, the Starlink Mini router can latch onto the Starlink network and deliver fast internet connectivity.
Starlink Mini is one of the coolest products I’ve unboxed recently.
Plug the dish, point at the sky for fast internet anywhere on earth! pic.twitter.com/wyIU3C2Vog
— De Paul Sunny (@depaulsunny) June 23, 2024
How fast, you ask? At launch, Starlink says that the Mini gear can offer speeds of up to 100Mbps, which is on par with most public Wi-Fi network speeds. 100Mbps is more than enough to access all communication portals, download files and even stream online media. Additionally, a few early users have reported the Starlink Mini can deliver speeds of up to 180Mbps!
@michaelnicollsx – I just set up a fresh mini. About two minutes from box to 180Mbps pic.twitter.com/pzjpdz0fjK
— Chad Gibbs (@chadgibbs88) June 21, 2024
The dish antenna weighs 1.1 kilograms and comes with a stand as well as a DC power cable. The IP67 certification should ensure that the Mini router can withstand outdoor elements like dust storms and rains with ease. Starlink also certifies a working temperature window of -30 degrees Celsius to 50 degrees Celsius. The router is as big as a compact laptop and, as per SpaceX, offers an easy setup experience.
How to buy Starlink Mini
At the moment, you can’t.
Starlink Mini is presently in an experimental stage and is available to a few people via invites. Those who book the service are assured of deliveries by July 2024. The service is currently available in the US, Colombia, Panama, El Salvador and Guatemala but SpaceX is interested in expanding its availability in other regions.
In case you get the invite to purchase the Starlink Mini service, you will need to shell out USD 599 (SGD 810 approx.) for the kit. This is USD 100 (SGD 135 approx.) pricier than the standard kit. Additionally, you need to have a standard Starlink kit and pay an additional USD 30 (SGD 40 approx.) per month on top of your monthly USD 120 (SGD 162 approx.) Residential plan. This will give you an allowance of 50GB of data per month which can be extended by paying USD 1 per GB.
While the pricing makes Starlink Mini a costly affair, it will be great for those who have a constant need to access high-speed broadband connectivity on the move without being in close proximity to an AC power source.
(Hero and Featured Image Credits: Courtesy Starlink)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Starlink Mini gear is available at a price of USD 599 (SGD 810 approx) , excluding the data pack.
Starlink Mini promises download speeds of up to 100Mbps.
