Starlink’s new Dishy McFlatface is smaller and lighter, still costs $499

Enlarge / The new version of Dishy McFlatface. (credit: Starlink)

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.

New versions of the Starlink dish and router. (credit: Starlink)

The rectangular satellite dish that will be sent to new users is 19 inches x 12 inches, compared to the original circular dish's diameter of 23.2 inches. The dish's weight is 9.2 pounds, down from the original's 16 pounds. 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.

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