SpaceX has revealed that its upcoming Starlink Mini dish will feature a built-in Wi-Fi router, eliminating the need for an external one. This information was found in an official spec sheet and setup guide on Starlink.com. The Mini dish, set to roll out in a few months according to CEO Elon Musk, offers consumers a portable satellite internet solution.
The “Starlink with integrated Wi-Fi” comes with a kickstand, pipe adapter, direct current power cable, and power supply. Although the built-in modem enhances portability, the hardware only supports Wi-Fi 5 speeds, not Wi-Fi 6 as previously suggested by FCC documents.
Weighing just 2.4 pounds (or 3.4 pounds with the kickstand and 49-foot-long DC cable), the Mini dish is about the size of a laptop. This makes it easy to carry and fit into a backpack. The smaller size also means it requires less power, averaging 25 watts compared to the standard Starlink dish’s 75 to 100 watts.
Despite its compact design, the Mini dish is robust and can withstand outdoor weather conditions. It operates between -22°F and 122°F, includes a snow-melt capability, and has an IP67 rating, allowing it to survive being submerged in 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes.
Musk stated that the Mini dish would cost “about half the price of the standard dish,” implying a price range of $250 to $300. However, the monthly internet fee and its potential discount remain unclear. SpaceX plans to initially release the product in select areas before a wider rollout.
