If you own a first-gen Starlink router, SpaceX wants to replace it for free
If you happen to be among the early adopters of Starlink, SpaceX might replace your Starlink Gen 1 router for free. The company recently began emailing customers to announce that the original Gen 1 router (UTR-201) will soon become obsolete. These routers were included with the first-generation Starlink kits in 2020, before Starlink transitioned to the flat-dish model and introduced the Gen 2 router a year later.
SpaceX plans to discontinue software updates for these older devices in the near future as part of ongoing upgrades for security, performance, and reliability. While the company notes that you can continue using the Gen 1 router after updates cease, doing so comes with a couple of disadvantages. Using unsupported hardware means missing out on security patches, which leaves your network vulnerable to security risks. Furthermore, SpaceX warns that users may eventually face degraded performance or reduced compatibility with Starlink services as the network evolves over time.
To address this issue without leaving loyal users behind, SpaceX is offering the Starlink Router Mini as a complimentary replacement for free. The email sent to customers frames this offer as a thank you for being a longstanding Starlink customer. The Router Mini typically goes for $40 and features dual-band capabilities and supports Wi-Fi 6, which is a considerable step up from the Wi-Fi 5 standard found in the Gen 1 router. The Router Mini is also pretty compact, roughly the size of an iPhone 14, making it far easier to place than the Gen 1. Additionally, the Router Mini supports mesh networking, meaning you can easily add more units later to expand coverage throughout your home, a feature the Gen 1 router lacks.
A support page published quietly a month ago outlines the details of this replacement program and notes that the company had already begun notifying users in November. According to the documentation, swapping the routers is a simple process that should result in improved Wi-Fi connectivity once the new router is installed. The support page also provides specific instructions on how to set up the new Router Mini with the older first-generation Starlink dish.
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