You Can Now Own SpaceX’s Starlink Mini Internet Antenna That Fits in Your Backpack
SpaceX’s satellite internet is getting a lot more mobile and available. The startup is known for its space services. Starlink internet program has introduced a portable mini antenna that is small enough to fit in a backpack.
When the product was announced on X in June, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk wrote“I just set it up right now and am writing this post over space. It took less than 5 minutes. Easy to carry in a backpack. This product will change the world.” Musk went on to post an alleged speed test of the connection, showing a download speed of 100 Mbps, an upload speed of 11.5 Mbps, and a latency of 23ms.
Also: Comparing the Top Satellite Internet Services: Starlink and the Alternatives
When the device launched last month, it was tied to a residential Starlink subscription, meaning not just anyone could sign up. That requirement has been removed, and the Starlink Mini is now open to everyone.
The Mini, which costs $599, offers internet access anywhere in the United States, SpaceX said, with a 50GB data limit for $30 a month. Usage beyond that limit will cost $1 per gigabyte. The company has speakHowever, “our goal is to drive down the price of Starlink, especially for people in the world where connectivity is unaffordable or not available at all,” so it’s possible that the $599 price is meant for early adopters.
The device weighs just over two pounds and measures 12 inches by 10 inches by 1.5 inches, making it only slightly larger than a sheet of paper (but much thicker, of course). The Starlink Mini is significantly smaller and lighter than a regular Starlink dish and uses much less power. If you’re concerned about keeping the Starlink Mini safe outdoors, you should know that it’s designed to operate in temperatures ranging from -22°F to 122°F and is IP67 dust and water resistant.
If you’re frequently in places without cellular connectivity, the Starlink Mini might be the option for you.
