Starlink has opened up the availability of its latest hardware, Starlink Gen 3 (third generation), to the general public in the United States. Previously accessible only by special email invitation to select customers, the Gen 3 hardware is now open for orders by anyone interested in upgrading their Starlink dish via Starlink.com.

SpaceX, the parent company of Starlink, made the announcement through email invites, unveiling the Gen 3 Starlink antenna priced at $599 USD. This new offering aligns with the cost of the existing standard Starlink hardware kit for residential customers, which includes the second-generation antenna and a Gen 2 Wi-Fi router.

However, access to the Gen 3 hardware is currently limited to “Roam” and “Business” service plans, such as Mobile Regional, Mobile Global, Mobile Priority, and Business Priority. Residential service plans are excluded unless an individual received an invitation before December 15th. The Roam tier starts at $150 USD per month, and the Business plan has a higher internet subscription service cost starting at $250 USD. 

The decision to initially offer Gen 3 with Roam service plans could be influenced by the new kickstand design, pictured above, which eliminates the need for a pole mount. This design makes Gen 3 an attractive option for portable use with the Roam plan that enables users to carry the antenna wherever they travel to. The new antenna has undergone various modifications, including improved waterproofing, making it more resistant to the elements. The antenna is taller than its second-generation counterpart, standing at 23.4 inches compared to 20.2 inches, but maintains a width of 11.9 inches. Its waterproof rating has been increased to IP67, ensuring dustproof capabilities and the ability to withstand shallow water immersion for up to 30 minutes.

One significant change in performance is the increase in power consumption, which now ranges between 75 to 100 watts, up from 50 to 75 watts in the second-generation model. According to SpaceX’s FCC filing, the new dish aims to provide a high-performance solution that improves upon the previously authorized fixed user terminal models.

The initial rollout of Gen 3 is exclusively in the United States, catering to both new and existing customers upon selection of the eligible plans mentioned above.

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Featured Image Source: SpaceX Starlink