SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet connection has opened up the internet for people in remote areas who were unable to achieve online stability through traditional means. SpaceX is currently developing a portable version of Starlink internet called Starlink Mini, which is aimed at individuals who need to be connected no matter where they are.
Compact and Portable
The Starlink Mini was revealed by a Ukrainian engineer in shared images on the platform X. The Mini is highly portable, with a simple leg and built-in Wi-Fi. The Mini has dimensions of 28.9 cm x 24.8 cm, making it comparable in size to an iPad Pro 13″ or a MacBook Air 15″. The Mini is small enough to fit inside a backpack comfortably, making this a great option for travelers, hikers, or people who need a little internet away from a traditional setup. The Starlink Mini has received certification from the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands, paired with 802.11ax and 3×3 MIMO.
If a user chooses to hardwire to the device, LAN ports are available. After testing the Starlink Mini, CEO of SpaceX Elon Musk confirmed that it took him less then five minutes to put the Starlink Mini together. The Starlink Mini has very good numbers, even comparing it to broadband as it has speeds of 100 Mbps download and 11.5 Mbps upload. With a latency of 23ms, the Starlink Mini’s performance is just slightly reduced compared to the standard dish but still suitable for multiple 4K video streams. The Starlink Mini is priced at half the cost of the standard dish, creating an option for users who will be away from one spot.
A New Era of Mobile Connectivity
Starlink internet has solidified argument that in some places you cannot get physical connections or the cellular networks limit your bandwidth. SpaceX’s continual improvements as well as the extended deployment of different satellites has pushed Starlink internet as an interesting alternative to traditional internet services. In fact, SpaceX has created special packages aimed at RV and boat owners choosing to increase the reach of the internet to almost anywhere in the world.
However, the current Starlink dish is actually bulky and heavy, making it more difficult to use for portability. For instance, it is roughly the size of a MacBook, which is not particularly convenient for hiking, or other occasions when users want to travel light. The Starlink Mini sets out to specifically address this issue with its compact size and built-in Wi-Fi router that eliminates the need to have a separate router. This is as close to a portable satellite internet dish that one can currently get. There is no real data available for the power requirements of the Starlink mini, but I would expect 15-20 watts, making it comparatively more efficient than the Starlink kit, which requires 75-100 watts. Although it would make the product more portable, the Starlink Mini does not appear to have a USB-C port to allow the user to connect to a standard USB-C charger or power bank.
The product is expected to be available in July, but nothing is mentioned about its availability in Malaysia. In Malaysia, users pay RM2,300 for the Starlink Connect Kit, with a monthly subscription fee of RM220. The Starlink Mini represents a significant advancement in satellite internet technology by making it more portable and affordable, a real game changer for those needing internet connectivity on the go.
