The new Starlink MINI is more affordable and a game changer

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Starlink has been a great success in providing Internet access to remote locations, but it comes at a steep price. The new Starlink MINI is a more compact version with a smaller dish that measures 28.9×24.8 cm (11.4″ x 9.8″) in dimensions, and it comes at about half the price of the regular service.

This more compact, more affordable service is sure to have a greater impact on Internet connectivity globally. We are talking about a package that you can carry around in a backpack. I call it a proper game changer in the industry.

Starlink MINI compact dish — Starlink MINI dish is more compact

The new Starlink MINI weighs a mere 1.10 kg (2.43 lb), supports WiFi 5, and has a 3 x 3 MU-MIMO, 1 Ethernet port with a rubber plug, 12-48 V, up to 60W power input with Barrel Jack, a USB-C to Barrel Jack Cable that sells separately. The kickstand and pipe adapter are included in the box.

What kind of speeds are we to expect from Starlink MINI? The smaller dish implies some type of impact on performance, and it does. Expected download speed is in the region of 100Mbps and upload speed is in the region of 11.5 Mbps. But it is the latency that blows things out of the water, with a speedtest result shared by Elon Musk showing a 23ms latency. That is fantastic.

Starlink MINI looks like a great solution for everyday Internet users who need a reliable connection at a more affordable price. Elon says it costs about half the acquisition and subscription prices of the regular Starlink service. Startup costs for the regular Starlink starts from $599, so you can expect to be able to get started with Starlink MINI for about $300 and pay a monthly subscription in the region of $60. Not bad at all.

This more affordable, super portable Starlink dish is exactly what millions of people have been wanting. In addition, it is easy to set up. According to Elon, the new Starlink MINI can be setup in less than 5 minutes.

When will the service be available? Elon Must says that it will roll out to select areas in a few months from now. You can expect to see it go on sale in two to six months, at the most.

Starlink is pushing a number of innovative solutions for keeping people connected outside of regular terrestrial connectivity. Starlink Direct-to-Cell is another such solution developed to keep cell phones connected even when outside of the coverage area of cellular carriers.