Starlink Mini Business Guide 2026
Last month, my brother-in-law a Canadian business owner told me his problem: “My crews are sitting at job sites in Northern BC with no internet. It’s costing me money every single day.”
His solution? He bought Starlink Minis for his work trucks. Now his crews have reliable internet at remote sites, mining access roads, and construction jobs hours from the nearest cell tower. Know they can do video check-ins with the office, and access cloud-based project files, from places where even satellite phones used to struggle.
If your business involves working in remote Canadian locations, whether that’s construction, forestry, surveying, mining, utilities, mobile services, or just about anything outside major urban centres—the Starlink Mini might be the tool that finally solves your connectivity problem.
This guide covers everything you need to know: what the Mini actually is, what it costs in Canada, how to power it in a vehicle, and whether it makes sense for your specific situation.
Starlink Mini at a Glance (Canada 2026)
- Hardware Cost: $279–$399 CAD (regular $599, frequently discounted)
- Monthly Plans: $70 (100GB) to $189 (Unlimited) CAD
- Size: 29.85 × 25.9 × 3.85 cm (fits in a backpack)
- Weight: 1.10 kg (2.43 lbs) — 1.16 kg with kickstand
- Power: 25–40W typical (runs on 12V vehicle power)
- Speeds: 50–150+ Mbps typical, up to 200+ Mbps possible
- Latency: 25–50ms (good enough for video calls)
- Setup time: Under 10 minutes
What’s in This Guide
What Is Starlink Mini?
Starlink Mini is SpaceX’s compact, portable satellite dish designed specifically for mobile use. Think of it as the Starlink system shrunk down to fit in a backpack—same satellite network, same technology, just smaller and more portable.
Unlike the standard Starlink dish (which is meant to be permanently mounted on a roof), the Mini is built for people who need internet on the go: RV travellers, remote workers, and—most importantly for Canadian businesses, mobile crews who work in areas with no cellular coverage.
What’s in the Box
The Starlink Mini kit includes:
- The Mini dish itself: A flat, rectangular antenna about the size of a laptop
- Built-in Wi-Fi router: No separate router needed (it’s integrated)
- Kickstand: Lets you prop it up at the correct angle
- 15-metre DC power cable: Connects to the included power supply
- Power supply: Standard AC adapter (110V)
- Pipe adapter: For more permanent mounting options
The key difference from the standard Starlink? Everything is integrated. The modem, router, and antenna are all in one compact unit. You plug it in, point it at the sky, and you’re online in minutes.
Key Feature: The Starlink Mini has a built-in Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) router that supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. You can connect multiple devices, laptops, phones, tablets, payment terminals—all at once. There’s also an ethernet port if you need a wired connection or want to add your own third-party router for better coverage.
Starlink Mini Pricing in Canada (2026)
SpaceX has been aggressive with discounts on the Mini throughout 2025 and into 2026. Here’s what you’ll pay as a Canadian business:
Hardware Costs
| Hardware | Regular Price | Sale Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starlink Mini Kit | $599 CAD | $279–$399 CAD | Includes dish, router, power supply, cables |
| Standard Kit (comparison) | $499 CAD | $399 CAD | Larger dish, external router |
*The Mini hit a record-low $279 CAD in January 2026. Sale prices rotate frequently—check starlink.com, Best Buy Canada, Home Depot Canada, and Costco.
Monthly Service Plans (Roam)
The Mini uses Starlink’s “Roam” plans, which are designed for portable use:
| Plan | Monthly (CAD) | Data | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roam 100GB | $70 | 100GB priority, then slower | Light use, email, basic web |
| Roam Unlimited | $189 | Unlimited, no throttling | Heavy use, video calls, file transfers |
| Standby Mode | $5 | Unlimited at ~500 Kbps | Pausing service during off-season |
⚠️ Important: The free “pause” feature was replaced by Standby Mode in August 2025. Standby costs $5/month and provides unlimited low-speed data (~500 Kbps—enough for texts and emergency messaging, but not much else). Alternatively, you can cancel entirely for $0, but reactivating may be delayed if there’s a capacity limit in your area, and reactivation fees may apply in some markets.
Total Cost Example: Fleet of 3 Work Trucks
Let’s say you’re equipping 3 vehicles for remote work:
- Hardware: 3 × $279 = $837 (one-time, at current sale price)
- Monthly (Unlimited): 3 × $189 = $567/month
- Mounting accessories: ~$150–300 total (optional)
Year 1 total: ~$8,000 CAD for reliable internet at every remote job site. If that saves even one lost day per truck per month due to connectivity issues, it pays for itself.
Business Use Cases: Where Starlink Mini Shines
The Starlink Mini isn’t for everyone. But for certain Canadian businesses, it’s genuinely transformative. Here’s where we’re seeing it make the biggest impact:
Service & Utility Trucks
This is the use case my brother-in-law discovered. His crews do forestry and land clearing in Northern BC—places where even satellite phones can be spotty. With Starlink Mini:
- Crews can check updated project plans and maps in real-time
- Foremen can do video check-ins with the main office
- Safety officers can file reports without waiting until they’re back in town
- Equipment operators can access diagnostic software and update firmware
Construction Sites
Remote construction projects often run a portable office trailer with no connectivity. Starlink Mini can:
- Run cloud-based project management software (Procore, PlanGrid, etc.)
- Enable video conferences with architects, engineers, and clients
- Process credit card payments on-site
- Support security camera systems
🔍 Surveying & Inspection
Surveyors, environmental consultants, and inspectors often work in areas with zero cell coverage:
- Upload drone imagery and GPS data immediately
- Access reference materials and databases in the field
- Submit inspection reports same-day instead of waiting
Emergency & First Response
First responders, wildfire crews, and emergency management teams are adopting Starlink Mini for:
- Command post connectivity in disaster areas
- Communication when cell towers are down
- Real-time coordination across multiple agencies
Mobile Businesses & Events
Food trucks, mobile retail, travelling vendors, and event production companies use Mini for:
- Payment processing at outdoor events
- Point-of-sale systems
- Streaming and social media
- Guest WiFi at remote event venues
Real-World Example: A friend runs a mobile welding business across rural Alberta. He installed a Starlink Mini in his service truck. Now he processes payments on-site, sends photos of completed work directly to clients, and orders parts while still at the job. “I used to drive 45 minutes back to town just to send an email,” he told me. “Now I’m billing same-day for every job.”
Installing Starlink Mini in a Work Vehicle
The Mini was designed for portability, so you have several options for vehicle use—from “throw it on the dashboard” simple to permanent roof-mounted installations.
Option 1: Quick Deploy (No Permanent Installation)
The simplest approach: carry the Mini in the truck, set it up when you arrive at a job site.
- How it works: Place the Mini on the truck’s hood, roof, or a nearby flat surface with a clear view of the sky. Use the built-in kickstand to angle it correctly.
- Power: Run the included AC power supply from a power inverter, or use a 12V DC cable (sold separately)
- Setup time: 5–10 minutes
- Pros: No modifications, can move between vehicles, lowest cost
- Cons: Must set up/take down each time, needs a stable surface
Option 2: Temporary Vehicle Mount (Suction/Magnetic)
Mount the Mini semi-permanently on your vehicle’s roof using suction cups or magnetic mounts.
- Hardware needed: Aftermarket mount ($50–$150 CAD). Popular brands include SatGear, Star Mount Systems, and Dishy Mini Mounts.
- How it works: Mount attaches to the roof, Mini snaps in. Cable runs into the cab through a window seal or dedicated entry point.
- Pros: Quick setup, removable, works while stationary
- Cons: Suction cups can fail in extreme cold; magnetic mounts don’t work on aluminum
Option 3: Permanent Roof Mount
For fleet vehicles that always need connectivity, a permanent mount is the most reliable option.
- Hardware needed: Heavy-duty roof mount, cable gland/weatherproof entry, DC power conversion
- How it works: Mount is bolted to the roof rack or through the roof with proper sealing. Cable is routed internally, power is wired directly to the vehicle’s electrical system.
- Pros: Always ready, most reliable, works in motion
- Cons: Higher cost, requires installation expertise, permanent modification
Pro Tip: The Starlink Mini is designed to work while the vehicle is moving—users regularly report reliable connectivity at highway speeds. This means your crew can have internet even while driving between job sites—useful for navigation, music streaming, or passengers working on laptops. Expect occasional brief interruptions as the dish reacquires satellites after obstructions like overpasses or dense tree cover.
Powering Starlink Mini in the Field
Power is where people make mistakes with Starlink Mini. Here’s what you actually need to know:
Power Consumption
| Condition | Power Draw | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | ~60W (briefly) | While finding satellites |
| Normal operation | 25–30W | Typical browsing, light use |
| Heavy use | 30–40W | Video streaming, downloads |
| Snow melt mode | Up to 60W sustained | Disable in vehicles (saves power) |
The Mini accepts 12V to 48V DC input, which makes it flexible for vehicle installations. But there are some gotchas:
Power Option 1: AC Inverter (Simple but Wasteful)
Use the included AC power supply with a standard power inverter plugged into your vehicle’s 12V outlet.
- Pros: No special hardware needed, works with included equipment
- Cons: Wastes 10–20% of power in conversion, inverter adds bulk
- Good for: Occasional use, testing
Power Option 2: Direct 12V DC Cable (Most Common)
Purchase a 12V DC cable that plugs directly into a cigarette lighter or wires to your battery.
- Cost: $30–$60 CAD on Amazon
- Pros: Efficient, simple installation
- Cons: Voltage drop can be an issue with long cables or weak batteries
- Good for: Most vehicle installations where engine is running
Power Option 3: DC-DC Step-Up Converter (Most Reliable)
A converter boosts your 12V vehicle power to 20–30V, eliminating voltage drop issues.
- Cost: $50–$150 CAD
- Pros: Works reliably even with low battery, supports longer cable runs
- Cons: More complex installation
- Good for: Fleet vehicles, permanent installations, cold weather use
⚠️ Common Mistake: Using the standard 12V cigarette lighter with a long cable run. Voltage drop in thin or long cables can cause the Mini to fail to boot or randomly reboot. If you’re running more than 5 metres of cable, use thicker gauge wire (14AWG or better) or a step-up converter. Also: disable Snow Melt mode in the app for vehicle use—it’s meant for permanent installations and can double power consumption.
Power Option 4: Portable Power Station (Best for Job Sites)
For stationary job sites without vehicle power, a portable power station works great:
- 300Wh station: ~7–10 hours of runtime
- 1000Wh station: ~24+ hours of runtime
- Add solar panels: For indefinite operation
Recommended models: EcoFlow RIVER series, Jackery 300/1000, Bluetti AC series.
Real-World Performance: What to Actually Expect
Marketing speeds are one thing. Real-world performance is what matters. Here’s what users are actually seeing with Starlink Mini in Canada:
Speed Tests
| Metric | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Download Speed | 50–150 Mbps | Can spike to 200+ in ideal conditions |
| Upload Speed | 8–25 Mbps | Sufficient for video calls |
| Latency | 25–50ms | Good for video conferencing |
What Works Great
- ✅ Video calls (Zoom, Teams, Meet): Reliable with 2–4 participants, occasional quality drops with larger groups
- ✅ Email and web browsing: No issues
- ✅ Cloud file sync (Dropbox, Google Drive): Works well
- ✅ Payment processing: Fast and reliable
- ✅ Streaming (Netflix, YouTube): Smooth, including 4K in good conditions
- ✅ VoIP phone calls: Clear with minimal dropouts
What Works Okay
- 🟡 Large file uploads: Works, but slower than downloads (expect 8–12 min for 1GB)
- 🟡 VPN connections: Adds 20–30% speed reduction but stays stable
- 🟡 Multiple video calls simultaneously: Can struggle with bandwidth
What Doesn’t Work Well
- ❌ Competitive online gaming: Latency spikes during peak hours
- ❌ High-frequency trading: Too much latency variability
- ❌ Heavy obstructions: Trees, buildings, and narrow valleys cause dropouts
Location Matters: Starlink Mini needs a clear view of the sky—ideally 100+ degrees of unobstructed view. Use the “Check for Obstructions” feature in the Starlink app before committing to a work site setup. Even partial tree coverage can drop speeds by 50–70% or cause complete disconnection.
Starlink Mini vs Standard Dish: Which Do You Need?
The Mini isn’t always the right choice. Here’s how to decide:
| Feature | Starlink Mini | Starlink Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 29.85 × 25.9 cm (fits in backpack) | 51 × 30 cm (needs roof mount) |
| Weight | 1.10 kg (2.43 lbs) | 2.9 kg (6.4 lbs) |
| Power | 25–40W typical | 50–75W typical |
| Router | Built-in Wi-Fi 5 | Separate Wi-Fi 6 router |
| Speed | 50–150 Mbps typical | 100–200 Mbps typical |
| Obstruction tolerance | Less tolerant | More tolerant |
| Best for | Vehicles, portable use | Fixed sites, offices, homes |
Choose Mini if: You need portability, you’re mounting in a vehicle, you want low power consumption, or you’re moving between multiple locations.
Choose Standard if: You’re setting up a permanent site office, you need the best possible speeds, you’re in an area with partial obstructions, or you need stronger Wi-Fi coverage.
Limitations: What Starlink Mini Can’t Do
Being honest about limitations helps you set proper expectations:
Obstruction Sensitivity
The Mini’s smaller antenna makes it more sensitive to obstructions than the standard dish. Even thin tree branches can cause problems. If your job sites are in dense forest, you may need to find clearings to set up.
Weather Effects
Heavy rain, snow, and storms can temporarily reduce speeds or cause brief outages. The system recovers quickly, but don’t expect 100% uptime during severe weather.
Network Priority
Roam plans are lower priority than Residential plans. If you’re in a congested area (rare in remote Canada, but possible), Roam users may see slower speeds during peak hours.
100GB Data Cap (Budget Plan)
If you choose the $70/month plan, you get 100GB of priority data. After that, speeds may be reduced during congestion. For business use with video calls and file transfers, the Unlimited plan at $189/month is usually worth it.
Uptime Not Guaranteed
Starlink doesn’t offer SLAs for consumer/Roam plans. If you need guaranteed uptime with financial penalties for outages, you’ll need Starlink’s enterprise offerings—which are significantly more expensive.
Cold Weather Startup
In extreme cold (-30°C and below), the Mini may take longer to boot up. The built-in heater helps, but it’s not instant. Plan for a few extra minutes of setup time in winter.
Getting Started: Your Action Plan
✅ Step-by-Step Setup for Business
Step 1: Order Your Hardware
Buy direct from starlink.com/ca/roam or from Best Buy/Home Depot Canada. Watch for promotions—the Mini regularly goes on sale for $279–$399 CAD.
Step 2: Download the Starlink App
Available for iOS and Android. You’ll need this to activate service and optimize placement.
Step 3: Choose Your Plan
For most business use, we recommend Roam Unlimited ($189/month). The 100GB plan ($70/month) is fine if you’re only doing email and light web browsing.
Step 4: Test at Your Location
Before investing in permanent mounts, test the Mini at your typical job sites. Use the app’s “Check for Obstructions” feature to verify you have adequate sky visibility.
Step 5: Configure Power
For vehicle use, order a 12V DC cable or DC-DC converter. Disable Snow Melt mode in settings. Test that it boots reliably from your vehicle’s power system.
Step 6: (Optional) Install Permanent Mount
If testing goes well, invest in a proper vehicle mount for your most-used trucks. Budget $100–$300 per vehicle for quality mounting hardware.
Step 7: Set Up Standby for Off-Season
If your business is seasonal, enable Standby Mode ($5/month) for winter months rather than cancelling entirely. You’ll keep basic connectivity and avoid potential reactivation delays or fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Starlink Mini while driving?
Yes, the Mini is designed for in-motion use and users regularly report reliable connectivity at highway speeds. You’ll experience brief interruptions when passing under bridges, through tunnels, or under dense tree cover, but it reconnects quickly. Many users stream music and run navigation apps while driving with no issues.
Does Starlink Mini work in Northern Canada?
Yes, Starlink covers all of Canada’s provinces and territories, including Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. Users in extreme northern locations may experience slightly higher latency, but speeds remain good. The Mini has been successfully used at mining camps, research stations, and indigenous communities in the far north.
How many devices can connect to Starlink Mini?
The built-in router supports approximately 128 devices simultaneously, though practical limits depend on bandwidth usage. For a work truck with 3–5 devices (phones, laptops, payment terminal), you’ll have no issues. If you need to support more devices or better coverage, you can add a third-party router via the ethernet port.
Can I use Starlink Mini in the USA when crossing the border?
Roam plans work in both Canada and the USA without additional fees. However, if you spend more than 2 months outside your registered region, Starlink may reduce your priority or ask you to update your service address. For occasional cross-border work, you’ll have no problems.
What’s the warranty on Starlink Mini?
Starlink offers a 30-day return policy and a limited warranty covering manufacturing defects. For business use, some users recommend purchasing extended protection through retailers like Best Buy if available. Real-world durability reports suggest the Mini holds up well to regular mobile use, with the kickstand being the most likely wear point.
The Bottom Line
Starlink Mini isn’t a perfect solution for everyone, but for Canadian businesses that work in remote areas, it’s genuinely game-changing. My brother-in-law’s crews went from being completely disconnected at job sites to having faster internet than some people get in cities.
At $279–$399 for hardware and $70–$189/month for service, it’s affordable enough to test without a major commitment. And unlike cellular boosters or expensive satellite phone plans, it actually delivers usable bandwidth for modern business applications.
If your work takes you to places where cell phones don’t work—and you’ve been struggling with that for years—the Starlink Mini is worth a try. Set up a test unit, run it for a month at your typical job sites, and see if it solves your connectivity problems. For most remote Canadian businesses, it will.
