Starlink has been releasing new VSAT kit models and associated hardware on a recurring basis since the company began selling its first residential units to the public through a limited beta program in July 2020. The same cadence applies to Starlink’s enterprise kits, which have also undergone rapid transformations since being introduced to the market. In fact, there are now a suite of kits available for use in varying applications.
With each release, the antenna can vary in size, mounting options, and design. If you’re confused, you’re not alone. Here’s a guide to the kits and their optimal uses.
Starlink Enterprise Kits
Starlink offers two top-tier antenna kits in terms of performance, capacity, and durability: the Enterprise V4 and Flat High Performance (Flat HP) kits. Both support the premium Enterprise Priority service plan, offering download speeds of 25-220 Mbps and upload speeds of 5-20 Mbps.
- Enterprise V4: Essentially a repurposed Residential Gen 3 model with a pole mount and a 50-meter cable.
- Flat HP: Features a robust design, ideal for fixed and mobile enterprise applications in challenging environments. Speedcast has installed thousands on cruise ships, cargo vessels, yachts, energy platforms, and remote facilities.
Starlink Enterprise V4 vs. Flat High Performance (Flat HP) Kits
The Flat HP replaced the High-Performance antenna at the end of 2023. Its innovative wedge design offers stability in mobile and open-water applications, reducing shaking and improving performance. It’s also included in Speedcast’s Rapid Deployment Kits for disaster response and recovery operations.
Keep in mind that neither the Enterprise V4 nor the Flat HP kit include a router, requiring you to choose between Starlink’s Gen 2, Gen 3, or a third-party device to meet your needs. This is an important consideration for enterprise users, since connecting to the internet without a router can compromise network management and security, along with communication between devices.
For Speedcast customers, we utilize our SIGMA edge networking router for its integration with our global network management platform, creating a seamless virtual network with maximum uptime.
The SIGMA Edge Networking software seamlessly and automatically integrates Starlink with other connectivity paths, from LEO, GEO, MEO and L-band to cellular and microwave. For users, it creates a single, virtual wide-area network. SIGMA also offers the flexibility to visualize and customize your service at any time as well as value-added services from cybersecurity to edge applications.
Starlink Standard Kits
The Standard terminal, or Residential Gen 3, is designed for fixed use at homes and small businesses, delivering 25-150 Mbps down and 5-20 Mbps up. It includes a 15-meter cable and an external Gen 3 Starlink router. Speedcast often installs this in regions where Enterprise or Flat HP kits aren’t available, integrating it with our SIGMA router.
Starlink Mini
Starlink’s latest hardware release is the Mini, a compact, portable antenna for residential users. It’s half the size of the Standard, but offers the same speeds. The Mini includes a built-in router, kickstand, pipe adapter, and a 15-meter cable, making it perfect for on-the-go broadband as a supplement to fixed networks.
Starlink Kits Comparison Table
Mini | Standard | Standard Actuated | High Performance | Flat High Performance | Enterprise | |
Also known as | N/A | Residential Gen 3 or V4 | Residential Gen 2 | HP, Enterprise V3, Actuated High-performance | FHP, Wedge mount, Business Maritime | Enterprise V4 |
Service Plans | Standard | Standard & Enterprise Priority | Standard | Enterprise Priority | Enterprise Priority | Enterprise Priority |
Applications | Compact, portable kit for internet on the go | Residential users and everyday internet applications. | Residential users and everyday internet applications | Power user, business, and enterprise applications | Fixed and mobility enterprise applications and challenging environments | Fixed site business applications |
Deployment | Fixed only | Fixed only | Fixed only | Fixed only | Fixed and maritime | Fixed and coastal use cases |
Download Speeds | 25 to 150 Mbps | 25 to 150 Mbps | 25 to 150 Mbps | 25 to 220 Mbps | 25 to 220 Mbps | 25 to 220 Mbps |
Upload Speeds | 5 to 20 Mbps | 5 to 20 Mbps | 5 to 20 Mbps | 5 to 20 Mbps | 5 to 20 Mbps | 5 to 20 Mbps |
Size | 298.5 mm (11.75 in) x 259 mm (10.2 in) x 259 mm (10.2 in) | 594 mm (23.4 in) x 383 mm (15.07 in) x 39.7 mm (1.5 in) | 513 mm (20.2 in) x 303 mm (11.9 in) x 544 mm (21.4 in) | 575 mm (22.6 in) x 511 mm (20.1 in) x 613 mm (24.1 in) | 575 mm (22.6 in) x 511 mm (20.1 in) x 41 mm (1.6 in) | 594 mm (23.4 in) x 383 mm (15.07 in) x 39.7 mm (1.5 in) |
Weight | • 1.10 kg (2.43 lb) • 1.16 kg (2.56 lb) with Kickstand • 1.53 kg (3.37 lb) with Kickstand & 15 m Cable |
• 2.9 kg (6.4 lb) • 3.2 kg (7 lb) with Kickstand |
• 2.9 kg (6.4 lbs) without Cable • 3.6 kg (7.9 lbs) with 15.2 m (50 ft) Cable |
• 6.9 kg (15 lbs) without Cable • 9.4 kg (21 lbs) with 25 m (82 ft) Cable |
• 5.9 kg / 13 lbs without Cable • 8.1 kg / 17.9 lbs with 25 m / 82 ft Cable |
• 3.2 kg (7 lbs) |
Starlink cable (prepackaged) | 15 m (49.2 ft) | 15 m (49.2 ft) | 15.2 m (50 ft) | 25 m (82 ft) | 25 m (82 ft) | 50 m (164 ft) |
Field of View | 110 ° | 110 ° | 110 ° | 140° | 140° | 110 ° |
Environmental Rating | IP67 Type 4 | IP67 Type 4 | IP54 | IP56 | IP56 | IP67 Type 4 |
Power | 25-40W | 75-100 W | 50-75W | 110-150W | 110-150W | 75-100 W |
Router | Built-in | Gen 3 Router | Gen 2 Router | Gen 2 Router | Sold separately | Sold separately |
Mount (prepackaged) | Kickstand and pipe adapter | Kickstand | Pole mount with base | Pole mount with base | Wedge mount | Pole mount with no base |
Coverage and Country Licenses
Starlink’s satellite coverage doesn’t guarantee that all kits are licensed to operate everywhere. Each kit requires specific local government approval. Fixed application licenses don’t automatically cover mobility uses, like on vehicles or vessels. Unauthorized use can lead to service suspension by Starlink. Always check starlink.com for the latest coverage and licensing updates.
Speedcast takes the guess work out of licensing or regulatory needs no matter where you’re operating. Our global legal teams work closely with you and local regulators to ensure proper use of kits. Our team delivers connectivity services across all strategic regions, meeting even the most stringent licensing requirements.
Starlink’s innovations have transformed satellite communications for the better, and they’re not likely to slow down. That’s one reason customers rely on Speedcast to navigate these options and leverage the latest technologies without compromising reliability and performance.
Want to know what’s right for your remote operations?
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