SpaceX’s low-earth orbit satellite internet service Starlink has changed the lives of many Australians who were unsatisfied with alternatives. The revolutionary has just launched its highly anticipated “Mini” offering in Australia.
Starlink has typically offered speeds of up to 300Mbps with it’s full-sized dish, but the cost of around A$130pm turned away many who simply couldn’t or didn’t want to pay that much per month for internet.
Now with Starlink Mini, you can get the service for as low as A$80 per month, while still getting a great speed of up to an estimated 100Mbps (based on international experiences).
The introduction of Starlink Mini, and it’s lower price point, is a move that is set to further disrupt the plans of NBN Retail Service Providers and Telcos, particularly given the opportunity to provide internet anywhere with a view to the sky.
The mini is also small enough to be carried on a backpack, making it a great option for people who have more mobile and changing needs for internet access.
Starlink’s satellites is designed to deliver high-speed internet to even the most remote corners of the globe.
SpaceX has found a lot of success in Australia as providing high-speed, low-latency internet to those in regional and remote locations offered modern internet connections to homes and businesses who otherwise were restricted by the technology available in their location (i.e. Skymuster, Fixed Wireless etc).
Starlink Mini: Bridging the Affordability Gap
By offering a more compact and cost-effective dish and a lower monthly subscription fee, Starlink Mini aims to make satellite internet a viable option for a broader range of Australians.
Features and pricing
- Compact Dish: The Starlink Mini dish is smaller and lighter than the standard dish, making it easier to install and manage.
- High-Speed Internet: Starlink Mini still promises impressive speeds, although slightly lower than the standard service. Users can expect download speeds between 25-100 Mbps, depending on network congestion and location.
- Low Latency: Like its larger sibling, Starlink Mini boasts low latency, crucial for applications like online gaming and video conferencing.
- Affordable Pricing: The Starlink Mini dish is priced at A$799 upfront. The monthly subscription fee is A$80pm, making it a significantly more budget-friendly option compared to the standard Starlink service.
- Portability: The smaller size and lighter weight make Starlink Mini a good option for those who need portable internet access, such as campers and caravanners.
- Data Caps: Starlink Mini Roam 50GB plan Includes 50GB of Mobile data, with every GB over costing an additional $1.50. Alternatively you can step up to Mobile Regional for A$174/mo which features unlimited mobile data.
Specifications
- Speed: 25-100 Mbps download
- Latency: 25-60 ms
- Dish Dimensions: Width: 29.84 cm, Length: 25.91 cm, Height: 3.68 cm
- Weight: 1.1 kg (dish only), 6.73 kg (total package weight)
- Power Consumption: Average 25-40W
- Operating Temperatures: -30°C to 50°C
- Features: Built-in Wi-Fi router, single Ethernet port, IP67 dust and water resistance
- Inclusions: Dish, stand, pipe adapter, power supply, and USB-C cable with barrel jack
- Devices: Connect up to 128 devices
Additional Notes
- Speeds may vary depending on location and network congestion.
- More information at https://www.starlink.com/au/specifications?spec=5&referral=RC-878990-20075-22
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Who Should Consider Starlink Mini?
Starlink Mini is a game-changer for Australians who:
- Live in rural or remote areas with limited or no access to traditional broadband.
- Need a portable internet solution for travel or work.
- Are on a budget but still want high-speed, reliable internet.
- Want to cut the cord with traditional internet service providers.
Important Considerations
While Starlink Mini offers a compelling value proposition, potential users should be aware of a few factors:
- Obstructions: Like all satellite internet services, Starlink Mini’s performance can be affected by obstructions like trees and buildings.
- Network Congestion: Speeds may vary depending on the number of users in a given area.
- Availability: Starlink Mini is rolling out gradually across Australia. Check the Starlink website for availability in your area.
- Professional Installation Recommended: For optimal performance, professional installation is advised. However, DIY installation is possible for those with technical skills.
Conclusion
Starlink Mini’s arrival in Australia marks a significant step towards more affordable internet in virtually all locations in Australia, and delivering great speeds.
The big question I have with the details announced today, is if the base plan of 50GB is enough for most people?
When we compare this to the average mobile plan (I’m on a 60GB plan), I don’t come near that individually, but Starlink could be used by multiple people and even power the internet needs of a whole household and in that application, it almost certainly will not be adequate.
I get away with my quote of mobile data each month because much of my internet use is at home and work. If I was using that service exclusively, then the data cap would certainly need to be 2-3x that number to make sense.
I’m not quite sure why SpaceX doesn’t have anything between $80 and $174 per month with Starlink Mini, that seems quite arbitrary for me, perhaps A$100pm for 100GB would be the right numbers to suit most users.
