Starlink Mini

[chorky]

I'm sure I am not the only one here to receive this email. I was super excited at first. Until I saw the limited data plan. Still a cool option. Would be nice if they still offered unlimited data with this, I can easily use 300 gigs in a day with work alone.

Introducing Starlink Mini

You are invited for early access. Order by July 4th, 2024.

Starlink Mini is a compact, portable kit that can easily fit in a backpack, designed to provide high-speed, low-latency internet on the go. Starlink Mini includes a built-in WiFi router, lower power consumption, DC power input, and max download speeds over 100 Mbps*. See Starlink Mini specifications here. You are invited to purchase the Starlink Mini Kit for $599 and bundle the Mini Roam service with your existing Residential service plan for an additional $30/mo. Our goal is to reduce the price of Starlink, especially for those around the world where connectivity has been unaffordable or completely unavailable. But in regions with high usage, where Starlink Mini places additional demand on the satellite network, we are offering a limited number of the Starlink Mini Kits to start for $599. The Mini Roam service is an additional $30/mo for 50GB of Mobile data that can be used anywhere in the United States ($1/GB for additional data). You must continue your Residential service on your current Starlink to use Mini Roam service. This invitation is only valid for one order on this account

What I find interesting though is Starlink contradicts themselves with their plan details saying the mini plan has no data cap
What is the "Mini" service plan?
(Currently only available in select markets)
Starlink "Mini" Service is a more affordable service plan that is designed for Personal, Family, or Household-use at a fixed, land-based location in select markets. It can be used only with the Starlink Mini Kit. Users will have an unlimited amount of deprioritized data each month with no long-term contracts or commitments.
This service plan includes unlimited deprioritized data with slower speeds compared to our Standard offering.
With the Starlink "Mini" Service Plan:

• There are no data caps and no speed caps
• Speeds should range from 50 - 100 Mbps (as compared to 150 - 250 Mbps for the Standard service plan, see specific Standard download speeds here)
• In-motion and ocean use is not allowed
• Pause Service feature is not supported
• Ability to opt-in to purchase Priority or Mobile Priority Data is not supported
• Users can only upgrade to Mobile Regional, and no other service plans
• To sign up for Starlink "Mini" Service please visit www.starlink.com/residential, enter a valid address for a country where Starlink Mini is live, and select "Mini" for hardware. Note: You cannot transfer your Starlink Mini Kit to customers outside of your country.

It is a pretty nifty idea though. Maybe I can get in touch with customer care and get an answer on the data cap before the July 4th expiration.



@WILDHOBO Tagging you just because I know you use yours extensively and though you would be interested to hear about this.

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[WILDHOBO]

I'm sure I am not the only one here to receive this email. I was super excited at first. Until I saw the limited data plan. Still a cool option. Would be nice if they still offered unlimited data with this, I can easily use 300 gigs in a day with work alone.

Introducing Starlink Mini

You are invited for early access. Order by July 4th, 2024.

Starlink Mini is a compact, portable kit that can easily fit in a backpack, designed to provide high-speed, low-latency internet on the go. Starlink Mini includes a built-in WiFi router, lower power consumption, DC power input, and max download speeds over 100 Mbps*. See Starlink Mini specifications here. You are invited to purchase the Starlink Mini Kit for $599 and bundle the Mini Roam service with your existing Residential service plan for an additional $30/mo. Our goal is to reduce the price of Starlink, especially for those around the world where connectivity has been unaffordable or completely unavailable. But in regions with high usage, where Starlink Mini places additional demand on the satellite network, we are offering a limited number of the Starlink Mini Kits to start for $599. The Mini Roam service is an additional $30/mo for 50GB of Mobile data that can be used anywhere in the United States ($1/GB for additional data). You must continue your Residential service on your current Starlink to use Mini Roam service. This invitation is only valid for one order on this account

What I find interesting though is Starlink contradicts themselves with their plan details saying the mini plan has no data cap
What is the "Mini" service plan?
(Currently only available in select markets)
Starlink "Mini" Service is a more affordable service plan that is designed for Personal, Family, or Household-use at a fixed, land-based location in select markets. It can be used only with the Starlink Mini Kit. Users will have an unlimited amount of deprioritized data each month with no long-term contracts or commitments.
This service plan includes unlimited deprioritized data with slower speeds compared to our Standard offering.
With the Starlink "Mini" Service Plan:

• There are no data caps and no speed caps
• Speeds should range from 50 - 100 Mbps (as compared to 150 - 250 Mbps for the Standard service plan, see specific Standard download speeds here)
• In-motion and ocean use is not allowed
• Pause Service feature is not supported
• Ability to opt-in to purchase Priority or Mobile Priority Data is not supported
• Users can only upgrade to Mobile Regional, and no other service plans
• To sign up for Starlink "Mini" Service please visit www.starlink.com/residential, enter a valid address for a country where Starlink Mini is live, and select "Mini" for hardware. Note: You cannot transfer your Starlink Mini Kit to customers outside of your country.

It is a pretty nifty idea though. Maybe I can get in touch with customer care and get an answer on the data cap before the July 4th expiration.



@WILDHOBO Tagging you just because I know you use yours extensively and though you would be interested to hear about this.

Thanks very much. I had. I idea this existed. I’m guessing I didn’t get the invite because I don’t have residential service, but the mobility setup. I would love to get something like this for things like back country canoe trips.

 

[MojaveLawyer]

Man, this is freaking sharp. I’m intrigued..

 

[Steven_B]

What the f' do you do for work that you burn through 300 GB in a day?

 

[WILDHOBO]

What the f' do you do for work that you burn through 300 GB in a day?

That is A LOT of data. Agreed. What are you uploading/downloading. It would be very possible with video production.

 

[Steven_B]

My wife and I both work from home (lots of video meetings), plus I transmit a lot of sports for my second job (pro sport's photographer for USA Today Sports) and streaming movies, and this what we burned through in the full month of May.

 

[JeepOfTheseus]

That is A LOT of data. Agreed. What are you uploading/downloading. It would be very possible with video production.

 

[chorky]

What the f' do you do for work that you burn through 300 GB in a day?

That is A LOT of data. Agreed. What are you uploading/downloading. It would be very possible with video production.

GIS processing. For example, compressed raw LAZ data (LiDAR files) of one county in a zipped folder is over 250GB. Must be downloaded, processed, and re-uploaded when completed. Get into the world of satellite imagery and DOD stuff those numbers go through the roof. Other stuff used on the daily throughout the day is not as large but accessed and manipulated all throughout the day.

Although it doesn't help that gov networks and VPN's probably consume an extra 25% of the data actually needed to transmit for securities and things.

 

[Steven_B]

GIS processing. For example, compressed raw LAZ data (LiDAR files) of one county in a zipped folder is over 250GB. Must be downloaded, processed, and re-uploaded when completed. Get into the world of satellite imagery and DOD stuff those numbers go through the roof. Other stuff used on the daily throughout the day is not as large but accessed and manipulated all throughout the day.

Although it doesn't help that gov networks and VPN's probably consume an extra 25% of the data actually needed to transmit for securities and things.

Damn!

 

[chorky]

Well I sent out an email to starlink support. It would be super cool to have the mini on hand even for just a weekend day cruise around here as cell coverage is basically non-existent even along the interstate for a solid hour's drive. Which I actually like. But, I also am finding out that Garmin InReach services seem to be going the dodo. They recently decided to do all their own emergency evac plans in-house, which seems ok but without soldi info on the services for the cost. And they also just announced they are canceling their 'post to social media' option, which is one thing I actually used quite a lot since the only people that would check in if there is an issue are in other states. So I would honestly much prefer to have starlink and just have my MacBook setup to get weather notifications, emails, etc... Much more useful. And this 'mini' plan at only $30/mo is cheaper than Garmin as well. But they have to make it worth while. And only 50 g's a month is not worth while IMO.

 

[smlobx]

GIS processing. For example, compressed raw LAZ data (LiDAR files) of one county in a zipped folder is over 250GB. Must be downloaded, processed, and re-uploaded when completed. Get into the world of satellite imagery and DOD stuff those numbers go through the roof. Other stuff used on the daily throughout the day is not as large but accessed and manipulated all throughout the day.

Although it doesn't help that gov networks and VPN's probably consume an extra 25% of the data actually needed to transmit for securities and things.

My DIL works for NGA but due to her security clearance all her work is done at a very secure facility on a military base… Even my son, who is SF and has a TS clearance can’t get access to where she works! I would love to see the capabilities that she has at her fingertips!

 

[PuddleJumper]

GIS processing. For example, compressed raw LAZ data (LiDAR files) of one county in a zipped folder is over 250GB. Must be downloaded, processed, and re-uploaded when completed. Get into the world of satellite imagery and DOD stuff those numbers go through the roof. Other stuff used on the daily throughout the day is not as large but accessed and manipulated all throughout the day.

Although it doesn't help that gov networks and VPN's probably consume an extra 25% of the data actually needed to transmit for securities and things.

Oh hey! i use to do that too! LiDAR files be massive af. I remember one of our guys accidentally bricking our 8TB primary drive. Thank god we upload and hour before that fuck up. could've been a whole week worth data slaving in the middle of NV lost to the wind. Still makes me flinch.

 

[chorky]

Well more confusion now. Starlink rep says that all of their plans are unlimited in data transfer. But the email I received specifically says $30/mo, limited to 50 GB/mo, and $1 per GB over 50 GB use.

Maybe they are confused themselves. More likely is it I think that there is this special email only offer to those it was sent to which is a 'mini roam' plan, maybe designed to be a 'gateway drug' for their primary roam plan which actually is unlimited and $150/mo. The standard starlink sat, or the mini sat can be ordered with that standard Roam plan.

 

[hdinsect]

It's not $30/month. Read carefully (additional $30/month). I am already on Starlink and for personal service, as opposed to business which is higher, it's $120. While I don't know if that is for all of the USA, it's certainly not $30.

The mini would be good for say a motorhome, but I bought the system that will orient itself, so the mini (although Starlink is moving more towards the mini or stationary dish) would be a step back for me.

BTW, I am very happy with my Starlink system, but then I live out in the country and options are minimal.

 

[chorky]

So I think this explains it a little better

"For service plans with Priority or Mobile Priority data options, you can opt-in or opt-out at any time from your Starlink account page. Invite only Mini Roam plans can also opt-in for additional Mobile data."

So my understanding is

• This is a invite only plan, not available (or at least not right now) to others outside the email invite
• this is probably a 'gateway' to maybe test interest in determining if it should be a available option to everyone
• you get a 'mini' satellite
  • it can run on 12v 5a DC via usb-c or use an included 110v adapter
  • the sat has a built in router with the standard wifi 5th gen (probably the same performance as the starlink gen 2 router)
  • it is compatible with mesh routers and has the same snowmelt and 110* viewing angle
  • size is 11.75 x 10.2 x 1.5
    • compared to standard non-actuated panel is 23.04 x 15.07 x 1.5 plus you have the router, power supply and cable from router to sat
  • specifications
• The service
  • only offered to 'a small group of customers' whatever that means
  • $30 a month
  • it CANNOT be paused
  • you MUST retain your home starlink in order to retain this (ie, cancel home internet, the mini is canceled also)
  • Data is capped at 50 GB/mo
    • with an automatic charge of $1 per GB over 50 GB
  • You do have the option to 'opt in' to additional data (basically pay the standard $150/mo charge for unlimited data)
    • but once you do you can't go back to the small $30/50gb plan
  • Limited to the first 10,000 who choose it, so decide fast to get it quickly

I think the rep at starlink was confused by my message... This seems to all add up except for one sentence I found buried in the 'support' page which alluded to the 'mini roam' invite only plan being unlimited data at only $30/mo. It really does not make sense that they would offer an unlimited data plan for only 30 bucks. That would be fantastic though.

So it sounds like the real question is if a person thinks they will use more than 50GB in a month with the mini. If they do, then it's not worth it. If they don't, then it might be. Assume I do not need more than 50 gb/mo of data while camping. I'm essentially paying $360 a year, weather I use that 50 gb/mo or not, because you cannot turn it off. In contrast, the 'standard' plan at $150/mo for unlimited data CAN be paused. And you can get the mini sat with the standard plan right now, it's $100 more than the standard sat. So lets say a person uses it only 3, lets say 4 months of the year. That's $600 a year operational. But for unlimited data. My average data use is about 75/100 gb/day. That's with work of course. Out camping I bet it would be at or less than the 50GB as I dont plan to 'work' while camping, unless I had a Provan Tiger truck with 4 monitors in it). And to clarify, as @hdinsect just posted, this is in addition to your home starlink. So for me it would be a total monthly cost of $150 or $1,800/yr for my current home plan plus this special 'mini roam' plan, as compared to a estimated $2,040 for my home plan plus the unlimited but pausable standard mobile plan (which again you can get the mini starlink for). So this 'special' 'mini roam' plan is $240 cheaper per year, assuming you don't go over the monthly 50 GB limit and assuming you use the passable standard roam plan 4 months out of the year.

The hardware of the mini is $100 more than the standard ($600 vs $500), but since the router is internal to the sat, AND the router is the gen 2 router, you can't upgrade later if for some reason they make a gen 4 router, gen 5, etc...

The mini has a lower quality gen 2 built in router while the standard has the external gen 3 router. I dont know about anyone else but I have the Gen 2 router on my home starlink, and I basically dont have any wifi connection outside my house (which is a small house) so the range is only about 40' at best. The mini sat comes with ~45' of cable.

The other question is if you need in motion use. The mini cannot be used with in-motion. Neither can the standard panel (supposedly) even with the standard $150/mo plan. You have to have the high performance panel $2,500 and one of the priority plans starting at $250/mo. I would much prefer in motion use for data uploads, but I do not want to pay that much money.

@WILDHOBO remind me which panel you have? You have the high performance one correct? And can you turn your plan on and off multiple times a month? or is it just a flat 150/mo weather you use it one day or 20 days in that month?


The way I really look at this, for me, is it could be a replacement for the Garmin InReach. I have been getting emails from Garmin about more and more of their services closing down. The most recent being no longer allowing posts to social media to let your friends know where you are. Their SAR insurance is also changing next month to who knows what. Currently I pay ~$38/mo for 40 messages. It's also about $40/yr for the SAR 100 insurance (which who knows what they would actually cover....). It is super simple to just push a button for help in an emergency compared to hooking up a satellite, get connected, and make a FaceTime call to 911 - then there is the lack of SAR insurance. Although I don't do sketchy stuff like rock climbing, but one never knows if someone has a heart attack or a really bad accident in the middle of nowhere....

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