Recently, Elon Musk’s SpaceX unveiled the Starlink Mini internet service in Europe to advance its satellite internet service. Some of the features of this smaller and more transportable dish include high-speed and low-latency internet for the users.
But how does it compare with its US counterpart, and when is the European market likely to lay their hands on the device? Let’s dive into the details surrounding the Starlink Mini’s European debut.
Contents
Starlink Mini Europe Availability
At the moment, Starlink Mini is steadily being launched across different European countries, even if not all of them.
Initial Launch: The Starlink Mini was initially launched in the following European countries, with availability in Portugal, Germany, Cyprus, and Belgium. It is presumed that they will gradually be released into European Union countries in the future.
Pricing: In Portugal, the Starlink Mini is offered at € 399, and this is approximately $433. It costs even less in France, being €339 or approximately $368. These are considerably lower prices than in the United States, where the Mini costs $599.
Monthly Fees: European subs can opt for €40 for 50GB or €59 for unlimited. This is quite a big step down from the US, where the monthly fee is $50 for 50GB or $150 for however much data you want.
Availability Update: Although the Mini is being sold in several countries, it has not been introduced in the United Kingdom, Switzerland or in Poland.
User Experiences: Portugal and other European countries’ Reddit users reported that they were able to order the Starlink Mini. Another believes that it will soon be possible to get it in other EU countries.
Europe vs US Price Comparison
Here’s a quick comparison of the Starlink Mini pricing between Europe and the US:
| Feature | Europe | US |
| Device Price | €399 – €339 | $599 |
| Monthly Fee (50GB Data) | €40 | $50 |
| Monthly Fee (Unlimited Data) | €59 | $150 |
This table clearly shows the significant price difference between the European and US markets, with European prices being notably lower.
Speed & Latency
The Starlink Mini is not notably different in terms of performance compared to the rest of the range but a little less than the standard type.
Speed: Mini offers a download rate of more than 100 Mbps, which is enough for most users’ mobile internet. Messages posted by Reddit users show that the speeds claimed by the above firms are accurate, hence their good performance.
Latency: The latency is pretty much the same as other Starlink products, with low latency being good for streaming and gaming. The use of Mini is said to have low latency, and a survey of forum discussions revealed that this could be so, even in mobile settings.
Feedback from Users (Review)
The reactions of users from all around the world regarding the Mini Starlink have been mostly positive. Some users find it portable and relatively cheaper in Europe.
Comments on sites such as Reddit show that it is useful for getting reliable internet when moving or in rural areas. However, some users report that it can only be used in several countries, and this is a drawback.
Conclusion
The appearance of the Starlink Mini in Europe can be considered a positive for the mobile Internet consumer. Being cheaper than the main competitor and providing relatively good connectivity, it can be a way for those needing stable connections for emergency cases or remote work.
This is especially the case if availability is set to widen in the future since it is an option that might just become a national darling in all the countries in the vicinity.