SpaceX unveils new Starlink Mini antenna for internet users

The Starlink Mini is a portable kit designed to provide access to the company's satellite internet service for users on the go. SpaceX is offering a "limited number" of the Starlink Mini antennas for $599 each in an early access release, which is $100 more than the standard Starlink kit, TechCrunch reported. 

Measuring about 12 inches by 10 inches by 1.5 inches (30 by 25 by 4 centimeters), the Starlink Mini is roughly the size of a laptop. Its total weight — around 2.5 pounds (1.1 kilograms) — is 60% that of the company's standard Starlink dish, which the company thinks will make it more appealing to travelers.  

In addition to the upfront hardware cost, service for a Starlink Mini is effectively $150 per month — the $120 per month residential cost, plus an additional $30 per month for the "Mini Roam" service. The equipment can be used anywhere in the United States.

@Starlink Mini with integrated WiFi (puppy not included). Ramping production and will be available in international markets soon. pic.twitter.com/VuXO96rx9UJune 20, 2024

However, the add-on service has a cap of 50 gigabytes of data per month, with Starlink charging $1 per gigabyte for additional data. In the invitation to customers, SpaceX stated that the company aims to reduce the price of the kit, but, as of now, there is no option for a standalone Mini Roam plan. 

"Our goal is to reduce the price of Starlink for those around the world where connectivity has been unaffordable or completely unavailable," SpaceX said in the invitation, according to TechCrunch. "But in regions with high usage, where Starlink Mini places additional demand on the satellite network, we are offering a limited number of the Starlink Mini kits to start for $599."