SpaceX has announced the full-scale launch in the United States of sales of the Starlink Mini compact satellite antenna, which has a built-in Wi-Fi router and allows you to connect to the Internet via satellite anywhere. According to Elon Musk, the new product will “change the world.” Starlink Mini is aimed at travelers and digital nomads.
Image source: SpaceX
Starlink Mini is a compact laptop-sized device that combines a satellite dish and Wi-Fi router into one waterproof case. Compared to previous versions, the new model is much more compact and at the same time much more energy efficient.
One of the key advantages of Starlink Mini is the ability to power from any USB-PD source with a power of 100 W (20V/5A). This allows you to use the device when connected to a small portable battery, which will last for an hour or several, and from a solar generator the new product can work indefinitely.
Starlink Mini was initially only available as an add-on for existing Starlink subscribers in the US. However, now, just a few weeks after the launch, the kit has become available without reference to a landline tariff to a wide range of travel enthusiasts who want to stay online regardless of their place of stay.
Starlink Mini hardware costs $599. The device is available with two tariffs – Regional and Mini Roam. The Regional plan costs $150 per month for unlimited data when used throughout North America. Additional charges apply for mobile use. The Mini Roam plan costs just $50 per month, but is limited to 50 gigabytes of mobile data, with additional data charged at $1 per gigabyte. Both plans include the ability to pause service between trips.
Industry experts predict that Starlink Mini could become a catalyst for the development of “digital nomadism” and remote work. It is expected that this will lead to an increase in demand for such services and increase competition among satellite Internet providers.