Starlink has replaced its user terminal with a new model that’s smaller and cheaper to produce, and the company updated the Wi-Fi router that ships in hardware kits sent to new subscribers. The $499 price that new Starlink users must pay for hardware is unchanged.
The rectangular satellite dish that will be sent to new users is 19×12 inches, compared to the original circular dish’s diameter of 23.2 inches. The dish’s weight is 9.2 lbs, down from the original’s 16 lbs. The operating temperature range of -22°F to +122°F (-30°C to +50°C) is unchanged, so the thermal shutdowns that have affected some users of the original “Dishy McFlatface” satellite dish could continue to be a problem.
The Federal Communications Commission approved Starlink’s new user terminals on Wednesday. The main differences between the old and new equipment are described in the specifications section of a support FAQ.