Starlink V5 home dish becomes available in select areas

SpaceX has begun offering its Starlink V5 residential dish in select areas, The Verge reported, citing the company’s product information. The new kit matters for home-internet users because SpaceX says it reduces the size, weight and power needs of the standard Starlink hardware.

The company describes Starlink V5 as its next-generation kit for home internet. SpaceX says the dish is built to provide reliable, high-speed residential service, while using a smaller and lighter design than the V4 model.

A SpaceX image comparing the two devices shows the V5 dish beside the larger V4 dish. The company says the V5 also improves power efficiency, a practical change for customers who care about electricity use or want a less bulky installation.

Availability remains limited

The Verge reported that the V5 dish is available only in “select areas” for now. SpaceX says wider availability will come as it increases production to meet demand around the world.

The company has not positioned the V5 as a mobile-use product. SpaceX says the new residential dish is not meant for in-motion service, according to The Verge.

Customers looking for Starlink hardware designed for use while moving will have to wait for another device. The Verge reported that SpaceX teased a redesigned Starlink Mini alongside the V5 last month, and that model is the one aimed at in-motion use.

The launch gives SpaceX a smaller standard residential option as the company continues to expand its satellite internet service. The main changes disclosed by SpaceX are physical and efficiency-related: a reduced form factor, lower weight and improved power use compared with the V4 dish.

This story draws on original reporting from The Verge.