Starlink has ended support for the first-generation router that came with the original, first-generation, round, motorized dishy. Starlink announced that this router will no longer receive software updates, including security patches.
Note: This only affects the Starlink router, not the round dish itself, which is still supported.
Customers with a Gen-1 router are being offered a complimentary Starlink Router Mini replacement. The Router Mini is a much newer design and will work seamlessly with the Gen 1 dishy, providing better Wi-Fi performance since the Router Mini supports Wi-Fi 6 while the Gen 1 router only supports Wi-Fi 5. Additionally, the Router Mini supports Wi-Fi Mesh, which the Gen 1 router does not.
Customers who are currently using the Gen 1 router should receive the email notification about the upgrade. Those who have a Gen 1 router but haven't used it recently may need to connect the router to the Dish, power it on, and have the Dish connect to Starlink so that Starlink's system can see the router and generate the email to get a free replacement.
Many first-generation Starlink users have already ditched using the Starlink router in favor of a more advanced third-party router, and those customers are not receiving the free replacement emails. However, if you're happy with your third-party router, there is no requirement to get a Router Mini - just understand that you shouldn't use the Gen 1 router anymore as it is end-of-life and won't get updates.
The details of this program are in this Starlink help article.
Key Mobile Internet Related Considerations:
- The first-generation router is considered end-of-life and will not receive further software or security patches.
- Customers with first-generation (round, motorized) dish systems can get a free upgrade to the Router Mini.
- The Router Mini's Wi-Fi 6 and mesh support can improve onboard Wi-Fi performance.
- To trigger the upgrade email, the Gen-1 router must be powered on and connected to the dish and Starlink network.
- Third-party routers continue to work normally with the first-generation Dish and are not required to be replaced.
Learn More:
Starlink's Referral FAQ.
Use our referral link when purchasing equipment from Starlink.com and activating a consumer Residential or Roam Unlimited data plan - and get a FREE month of service!
And so will someone on our team, which helps us keep our multiple lines of service active for continued testing.
It's a win-win - you save money and help support MIRC!
Related Content at the Mobile Internet Resource Center:
- Guide: Starlink Satellite Internet For Mobile RV And Boat Use
- Starlink Resources: Starlink Resource Collection
- Content Collection: Mobile Satellite Internet Resources
- Gear: SpaceX Starlink
Related Updates:
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