SpaceX’s Starlink is shaking up the satellite internet scene once again with the imminent launch of its fourth-generation router, paired with a compact new “Mini” dish kit designed to deliver faster download speeds and smoother connectivity. The announcement, teased by company insiders and backed by recent regulatory filings, has tech enthusiasts buzzing about what could be the most user-friendly Starlink hardware yet.
The sleek Gen 4 router, revealed in a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) filing spotted earlier this week (FCC Report), boasts upgraded antennas and enhanced signal processing capabilities. While specifics remain under wraps, the documentation hints at support for Wi-Fi 6E—a cutting-edge standard that promises reduced latency and improved performance in crowded networks. Paired with the new Mini dish, which is roughly 30% smaller than the current Starlink dish, the kit aims to simplify installation without sacrificing power.
“This is about making high-speed internet even more accessible, whether you’re in a suburban home or off the grid,” a SpaceX representative shared in a statement. Though Elon Musk hasn’t tweeted about the hardware yet, industry watchers speculate the Mini dish’s streamlined design could lower shipping costs and appeal to RV users and travelers.
The Gen 4 router’s leaked specs suggest download speeds could surge beyond the current 220 Mbps median, with early tests reportedly hitting peaks of 350 Mbps. This leap forward aligns with Starlink’s broader push to scale its satellite constellation, which now numbers over 4,000 satellites in low Earth orbit. The Mini dish’s improved thermal management system, noted in the FCC filing, might also address past user complaints about performance dips during extreme weather.
Rumors of the hardware refresh have circulated for months, fueled by cryptic hints in job postings and supply chain chatter. Last week, PC Magazine added fuel to the fire with a report citing anonymous sources close to SpaceX (PC Mag article). The article highlighted internal beta tests of the Mini dish, with users praising its plug-and-play setup. If accurate, the new kit could further dent traditional ISPs’ market share, particularly in rural areas.
Pricing and availability remain unclear, but experts predict a late 2023 or early 2024 rollout. The current Starlink kit costs $599 upfront, but the Mini’s smaller footprint might trim that price slightly—or at least reduce shipping fees, a common pain point for customers.
As Starlink inches closer to global coverage, its hardware upgrades signal a maturation of SpaceX’s internet ambitions. With faster speeds, simpler installation, and a design that’s easier to stomach aesthetically, the Gen 4 router and Mini dish could be the push undecided users need to make the leap to satellite internet. Keep an eye on Starlink’s official site—this upgrade is likely to sell out fast.
