When it comes to portable internet, few products have generated as much buzz as SpaceX’s Starlink Mini . Recently, podcast host and comed...
When it comes to portable internet, few products have generated as much buzz as SpaceX’s Starlink Mini. Recently, podcast host and comedian Joe Rogan took to his platform to share his hands-on experience with the device, and the internet hasn’t stopped talking about it since.
Joe Rogan’s Mountain Test of the Starlink Mini in Utah
Rogan, known for his unfiltered takes and love of cutting-edge tech, recounted using the Starlink Mini while in the mountains of Utah.
He described it as:
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Ultra-compact — “It’s the size of a book and fits in a small laptop case.”
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Effortless setup — Just plug it in, and it automatically aligns with satellites.
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Blazing fast — Streaming, browsing, and video calls worked flawlessly even in remote terrain.
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Highly portable — Rogan has taken it on various trips, and it’s never failed.
In his words, “It’s amazing… In just a couple of years, they went from something bulky to this beautiful, simple, iPad-sized dish. It’s less than $100, and one day, you’ll probably run your cell phone over it directly.”
The Big “What If?” — Starlink Integrated into Phones
Rogan’s excitement sparked an online conversation: What if Starlink technology could be built directly into smartphones, removing the need for a dish altogether?
The idea captured the imagination of fans worldwide, envisioning a future where internet connectivity truly had no boundaries.
Elon Musk Weighs In — The Reality Check
While the thought of dish-free satellite internet sounds appealing, Elon Musk stepped in on X (formerly Twitter) to set the record straight. Responding to Rogan’s speculation, Musk explained:
“Satellite direct to phone will always be 10 to 100 times less bandwidth than a dedicated antenna that has 10X surface area, is precisely optimized for communicating with satellites, and has much higher power.”
In short, while Starlink-to-phone technology is possible (and SpaceX is already testing limited direct-to-phone features), it would never match the speed and performance of a dedicated Starlink dish like the Mini. The physics of antenna size and signal optimization simply can’t be bypassed.
Why the Starlink Mini Still Matters
For now, the Starlink Mini remains the gold standard for travelers, remote workers, off-grid adventurers, and emergency responders who need high-speed, low-latency internet anywhere.
Its combination of portability, simplicity, and performance means it’s not just a gadget — it’s a connectivity lifeline.
Final Thoughts
Joe Rogan’s real-world review highlights just how far Starlink has come in delivering reliable satellite internet in a truly portable form factor. While the dream of dish-free, phone-integrated Starlink is enticing, Musk’s response reminds us that engineering trade-offs still apply.
Until those limitations are overcome, the Starlink Mini remains the best way to tap into SpaceX’s satellite network on the go — whether you’re deep in the mountains, at sea, or halfway across the globe.
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