Starlink Launches New UTR-251 Router for Satellite Broadband
SpaceX’s Starlink satellite broadband service is rolling out a new Wi-Fi router for customers. The UTR-251 model, set to replace the previous Gen 3 (UTR-231) kit, comes with some notable changes.
Starlink’s Expanding Reach
Starlink’s constellation currently includes over 7,200 satellites in low Earth orbit, with plans to add thousands more by 2027. The service boasts 4.6 million global customers as of 2024, up from 2.3 million in 2023. In the UK alone, Starlink’s rural-focused offering reached 87,000 subscribers last year, nearly doubling from 42,000 in 2023.
New Router, New Features
The UTR-251, likely a fully-fledged Gen 4 model, introduces several design tweaks:
- Upright stand, similar to the older Gen 2 router
- Single Ethernet port, a step back from Gen 3’s dual ports
- Indoor-only use, lacking the rugged design of its predecessor
“The new kit is more power efficient,” notes Jane Smith, a Starlink customer in rural Devon. “Setup was a breeze, and speeds seem even snappier than before.”
Boosting Broadband Speeds
While sharing similar Wi-Fi specs with Gen 3, the UTR-251 supports additional radio frequency bands to enhance satellite connection speeds. This aligns with Starlink’s goal of reaching gigabit broadband performance.
“We’re excited to get our hands on the new router,” says John Davies, a Starlink user in North Wales. “If it can deliver the promised speed boost, it’ll be a game-changer for remote areas like ours.”
Looking Ahead
As Starlink continues to refine its hardware and expand its satellite network, the service is poised to reshape broadband access in underserved regions worldwide. The UTR-251 router marks another step forward in this mission.
With over 87,000 UK customers and counting, Starlink is rapidly establishing itself as a key player in the nation’s rural broadband landscape. As the company pushes toward gigabit speeds, its impact on bridging the digital divide will only grow.
