Key Takeaways
1. SpaceX is developing a new version of the Starlink Mini Kit with a more compact and portable dish.
2. Enhancements are planned for both the Mini Kit and the Flat High-Performance dish, including improved GPS functionality and better performance in poor weather.
3. The new Starlink Mini dish may be priced lower than the current $349.99 Standard Kit, with ongoing discounts available.
4. Upcoming improvements will increase download speeds to gigabit levels, potentially reaching up to 2 Gbps with the new V3 satellite constellation.
5. The new dish requires FCC regulatory approval, which may lead to faster Internet speeds for current users through dish aggregation.
SpaceX is currently developing a new version of its Starlink Mini Kit, which features a more compact and portable dish, making it easier to take anywhere.
Updates on Specifications
During a presentation at a Starlink vendor event, it was revealed that SpaceX plans to enhance both the Mini Kit and the Flat High-Performance dish. This dish enables satellite Internet access for moving vehicles even in poor weather, offering an improved field of view and enhanced GPS functionality.
Pricing Insights
The specifics of the new Starlink Mini dish are still not fully disclosed, but one of the key goals for this second generation is likely to reduce the price. Right now, it’s available for $100 off at Best Buy, although it is still significantly pricier than the Standard Kit dish, which retails for $349.99.
Speed Improvements Ahead
Even though the upcoming Starlink Mini dish might come at a lower cost, SpaceX is also planning to enhance the download speeds of its satellite Internet kits. At the vendor event, Starlink representatives stated that a new dish would deliver much faster gigabit-level Internet.
Future Developments
It remains uncertain whether they were referring to the upcoming refresh of the Flat High-Performance dish or a new product aimed at enterprise customers. Last fall, SpaceX announced plans to launch a constellation of V3 satellites, which will offer increased capacity per beam and achieve download speeds of up to 2 Gbps with reduced latency.
Regulatory Hurdles
The new gigabit Starlink dish must still go through the FCC for regulatory approval, where SpaceX is advocating for higher power limits and permissions to operate at lower altitudes.
If these regulatory changes occur, it could enable faster Internet speeds for current Starlink users through dish aggregation while they await the new dishes that will support wider bandwidth, taking full advantage of the forthcoming V3 satellite constellation for gigabit speeds.
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