SpaceX to Replace First-Gen Starlink Routers for Free as Updates End
If you were one of the early adopters who signed up for Starlink back in its early rollout days, there’s an important update you should know about right now. SpaceX has confirmed that its first-generation Starlink router, often referred to as the Gen 1 or UTR-201 model, is approaching the end of its software support life. And to soften the blow, the company is offering affected customers a free replacement router.
These Gen 1 routers originally shipped with Starlink kits in 2020 and are easily recognized by the rounded satellite dish design that came with them. However, that hardware was phased out just a year later when SpaceX moved to a flatter dish and introduced its newer Gen 2 router. Now, SpaceX says that software updates for the original router will be discontinued in the near future as part of its ongoing effort to improve security, performance, and overall reliability across the network.
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To address this change, SpaceX has begun reaching out directly to long-time customers via email. In those messages, the company explains that it will provide a free Starlink Router Mini as a thank-you gesture. This newer router, which normally sells for around $40, supports dual-band Wi-Fi 6 and offers better speed, stability, and device compatibility compared to the older Wi-Fi 5 hardware.
Although the Gen 1 router will not suddenly stop working once updates end, SpaceX has made it clear that continued use could lead to gradually declining performance. Reduced compatibility with future Starlink services is expected over time, and there is also an increased risk on the security side since no new patches will be issued. For users who rely heavily on their connection for work, streaming, or daily communication, those risks could become noticeable sooner rather than later.
SpaceX has already published a support document explaining how the free replacement program works, and reports from users on social media suggest that notifications are being sent to a growing group of eligible customers. The company has also emphasized that switching to the new Router Mini is simple, even when paired with an older first-generation dish. Once installed, users are expected to see improved Wi-Fi coverage and a more reliable connection.
This move follows other recent actions by SpaceX aimed at tightening security and maintaining service quality, including warnings sent to customers with inactive dishes earlier this year. Overall, the message is clear: Starlink’s early hardware helped launch the service, but it’s now time for those systems to move forward with newer, more secure technology.
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