(Credit: Starlink)
SpaceX has quietly revealed a new Starlink dish that’s geared toward residential users and will likely offer a boost in broadband quality.
The company published specs, images, and videos of the new dish on Starlink.com, which comes about two months after SpaceX received FCC clearance to sell the hardware.
The most noticeable change is the kickstand. SpaceX decided to ditch the rotating antenna found in the first- and the second-generation Starlink residential dish, the latter of which launched in 2021. Instead, the new model merely needs to face the sky in order to receive the satellite internet. But if the kickstand doesn’t appeal, owners can also configure the new dish with a "pipe adatper" mount that can be fitted for a home’s rooftop.
(Credit: Starlink.com)Another difference is the length. Compared to the second-gen Starlink residential dish, the new model is slightly taller at 23.4 inches, as opposed to 20.2 inches. But are 11.9 inches wide. In addition, the new model has a higher waterproof rating at IP67, which should make it dust proof and able to withstand shallow water immersion for 30 minutes.
The other important change is the power. The new model has an average power consumption between 75 to 100 watts, up from 50 to 75 watts in the second-gen model.
(Credit: Starlink.com)The Starlink website hasn’t elaborated on performance. But in a FCC filing, the company said the new dish is designed to offer “a high performance solution for consumers that improves upon SpaceX Services' previously authorized fixed user terminal models.”
SpaceX plans on selling the dish with the new “Gen 3” router, which offers Wi-Fi 6 and includes two Ethernet ports. But there’s currently no word on the dish’s price or availability.
(Credit: Starlink.com)The Starlink website adds that the new dish is simply called “Standard.” This suggests it’ll eventually replace the existing second-gen residential dish, which has now been dubbed “Standard actuated,” a nod to the hardware’s rotating antenna.
In September, SpaceX also received FCC approval to sell a separate, smaller Starlink dish. But the Starlink website has yet to provide details on that.