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SpaceX Launches Starlink Mini For $599 In Selected Regions
The compact, portable dish features a built-in Wi-Fi router and is small enough to fit inside a backpack.
SpaceX has introduced a new Starlink kit, known as the Starlink Mini, which is compact enough to fit inside a backpack. Users will now be able to carry the miniature dish anywhere and access SpaceX’s satellite internet service on the go.
According to emails sent out by SpaceX, the Starlink Mini will be priced at $599 upfront — $100 more than the standard dish kit. Users must already have a standard service plan to add the Mini Roam service, which costs an extra $30 per month. In total, Starlink residential customers will spend $150 per month if they opt for the Mini.
Starlink MINI (REV MINI1_PROD2) with built-in WiFi.
28.9×24.8 cm (11.4″ x 9.8″) pic.twitter.com/0AQKicaOk4— Oleg Kutkov
(@olegkutkov) June 16, 2024
The cost of the smaller dish might decrease in the future. SpaceX mentioned in its email that it is working towards making Starlink more affordable overall. Currently, the company is offering a limited number of Mini kits “in regions with high usage”. Recently, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk discussed the Mini on X (formerly Twitter), describing it as a “great low-cost option”. He also mentioned that it would eventually cost “about half the price of the standard dish to buy and monthly subscription”.
Also Read: The Most AI-Proof Career Opportunities In The Middle East
The Starlink Mini dish includes a built-in Wi-Fi router, making it a more compact package and requiring fewer additional components than the standard version. The Mini also consumes less power, features a DC power input, and can achieve download speeds exceeding 100 Mbps. The new kit includes the dish, a kickstand, a pipe adapter, a power supply, and a cord with a USB-C connector on one end and a barrel jack on the other.
Currently, the Starlink Mini is only available in select high-usage regions. However, Michael Nicolls, Vice President of Starlink Engineering, stated on X that the company is increasing production of the Mini and plans to make it available internationally in the very near future.
News
PayPal & TerraPay Join Forces For Cross-Border MENA Payments
The collaboration will be especially helpful in regions where traditional banking infrastructure is limited or inconsistent.
PayPal has teamed up with TerraPay to improve cross-border payments across the Middle East and Africa. The move is designed to make it easier and faster for users to send and receive money internationally, especially in regions where traditional banking infrastructure can be limited or inconsistent.
The partnership connects PayPal’s digital payments ecosystem with TerraPay’s global money transfer network. The goal is to streamline real-time transfers between banks, mobile wallets, and financial institutions, significantly improving access for millions of users looking to move money securely and efficiently.
Through the partnership, users will be able to link their PayPal accounts to local banks and mobile wallets using TerraPay’s platform. This means faster transactions and fewer barriers for individuals and businesses across the region.
“The Middle East and Africa are at the forefront of the digital transformation, yet financial barriers still limit growth for many,” said Otto Williams, Senior Vice President, Regional Head and General Manager, Middle East and Africa at PayPal. “At PayPal, we’re committed to changing that […] Together, we’re helping unlock economic opportunity and build a more connected, inclusive financial future”.
For TerraPay, the deal is a chance to scale its reach while reinforcing its mission of frictionless digital transactions.
“Our mission at TerraPay is to create a world where digital transactions are effortless, secure, and accessible to all,” said Ani Sane, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer at TerraPay. He added that the partnership is a major milestone for enhancing financial access in the Middle East and Africa, helping businesses grow and users move funds with fewer limitations.
Also Read: A Guide To Digital Payment Methods In The Middle East
The integration also aims to support financial inclusion in a region where access to global banking tools is still uneven. With interoperability at the core, TerraPay can bridge the gap between different financial systems — whether that’s a mobile wallet or a traditional bank — making it easier to send money, pay for services, or grow a business across borders.
As the demand for cross-border payment options continues to rise, both PayPal and TerraPay are doubling down on their commitment to provide reliable, secure, and forward-looking financial tools for the region.
PayPal & TerraPay Join Forces For Cross-Border MENA Payments
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