SpaceX’s satellite Internet is becoming more portable. The startup is known for its space engine Starlink Internet program Provided a small portable antenna that is small enough to fit in a backpack.
When advertising a product on X, formerly Twitter, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk wrote“I just set it up as I write this post across space. Took less than 5 minutes. Can easily be carried in a backpack. This product will change the world.”
Musk followed this up by publishing an alleged connection speed test. The test showed a 100Mbps download, 11.5Mbps upload, and a response time of 23ms.
also: Best Satellite Internet Services Compared: Starlink and Alternatives
SpaceX says the Mini, which will cost $599, offers internet access anywhere in the US, with a cap of 50GB of data for $30 per month. Usage exceeding this limit will cost $1 per GB. The company did He saysHowever, “our goal is to reduce the price of Starlink, especially for those around the world where connectivity has been unaffordable or completely unavailable,” so it’s possible that $599 will be an early adopter price.
The device weighs just over two pounds and measures 12 inches x 10 inches x 1.5 inches, which is a little larger than a piece of paper (but thicker, of course). The Starlink Mini is much smaller and lighter than a regular Starlink dish, and uses much less power. If you’re interested in keeping the Starlink Mini safe outdoors, it operates in temperatures ranging from -22°F to 122°F and is IP67 dust and water resistant.
If you’re interested, there’s a little catch. SpaceX only offers Starlink Mini service as an add-on for customers with residential Starlink service. You can’t buy a Mini without already being a customer, at least in the US. in Other countries where Mini was also launched (Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala and Panama), this condition does not appear to exist.
SpaceX says it is selling a “limited number” of devices for the early access version in the US. Currently, it is only available to select customers via email invitation.
If you often find yourself in places without cellular connectivity, the Starlink Mini has huge potential. However, if he remains tied to an existing residential account, this will be a hurdle for him a lot Of people. From the public.