SpaceX Unveils Portable Starlink Mini Kit: Compact Satellite Internet for On-the-Go Connectivity

SpaceX Unveils Portable Starlink Mini Kit: Compact Satellite Internet for On-the-Go Connectivity
Image credit: Starlink website 

SpaceX has introduced a new Starlink kit, the Starlink Mini, which is compact enough to fit in a backpack, allowing users to access the satellite internet service on the go. Priced at $599, which is $100 more than the standard dish kit, it requires an existing standard service plan. The Mini Roam service adds an extra $30 per month, bringing the total monthly cost to $150 for residential customers who opt for the Mini. 

SpaceX aims to make Starlink more affordable overall, but for now, the Mini is available in limited quantities in high-usage regions. Elon Musk recently described the Mini on X (formerly Twitter) as a "great low-cost option," indicating that it will eventually be half the price of the standard dish and subscription.

The Starlink Mini kit includes a built-in Wi-Fi router, reducing the number of components needed and power consumption. It supports download speeds over 100 Mbps and comes with a kickstand, pipe adapter, power supply, and a cord with a USB-C connector and a barrel jack. Currently, it's available only in select high-usage areas, but production is ramping up for a broader international release soon, according to Starlink Engineering VP Michael Nicolls.