SpaceX started selling its new variant, the Starlink Mini, to early adopters last month. The company has now opened up sales to the general public.
The new Starlink Mini is small enough to fit in a backpack and is designed to be portable to provide access to Starlink’s satellite internet service for users on the go.
With its small size, the Mini might be a perfect device for African users, especially in rural environments.
Details
The Starlink Mini is designed for on-the-go use, fitting easily into a backpack. Its portability is matched by its performance, with reported download speeds over 100 Mbps, making it a powerful tool for travelers and remote workers alike. Compared to the standard Starlink, this might be a better device for African users.
The device could support a range of activities, from enabling remote education and healthcare services to opening up new opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs.
However, the Starlink Mini could come with a significant cost barrier.
Cost Barrier
Currently, the Starlink Mini is priced at $599 and the service requires an additional $30 per month on top of the existing residential plan. This pricing could be prohibitive for many potential users.
Moreover, the service currently has a data cap of 50 gigabytes per month, with additional charges for extra data. This limitation could hinder the utility of the Starlink Mini for users who require substantial data for their work or personal use.
Price Reduction In The Future
Elon Musk has stated that the Starlink Mini’s price will be reduced in the future which could make it more accessible to potential users
If that comes to fruition, we should expect the device to retail at $300 as compared to the Standard kit which retails at $500.
Current Starlink In Africa
Starlink is currently available in 11 African countries with countries like Botswana and Ghana expected to go live later this year.
The Starlink Mini may not be the perfect solution for all African users due to its cost and data limitations, but it could provide services and opportunities for areas that have been left out due to limited connectivity.
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