Portable internet service Starlink Mini is now available in France

The satellite-based portable internet service, Starlink Mini, has launched in France, allowing users to stay connected in areas without access to a mobile phone network.

Elon Musk’s Starlink launched its ‘Mini’ system in France on July 25, one month after its US launch. The system costs €399 and also requires a subscription to the data service, priced from €40 a month for 50Gb.

The system allows users to connect to the internet almost anywhere via Space X’s Starlink satellites, which until now, required a much larger antenna.

Read more: Orange to offer French satellite internet service ‘to rival Starlink’

The new Mini system has a compact antenna (29.8 x 25.9 x 3.8cm) and weighs 1.1kg (excluding stand and 15m cable), which means it can be carried around in a car, caravan, boat or backpack.

The system is rated IP67, which means that it is water and dust resistant.

However, it does require charging.

The charger must be capable of delivering 100W (at 20V), which, at present, is not compatible with USB ports.