Well, here’s something we didn’t expect to spot between the mall pretzel stand and the Orange Julius: a Starlink vending machine. Yes, SpaceX has literally put its satellite internet gear in a self-serve kiosk. Walk up, press a few buttons, and walk away with a dish. It’s the latest twist in the company’s push to place Starlink vending machine locations wherever shoppers already are.
This particular Starlink vending machine sits inside the Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines, Iowa. Reviewers at DISHYtech first uncovered it after spotting a new “Starlink Self-Serve” listing on Google Maps. As DISHYtech founder Colby Baber explains, “I actually found this by accident. So I was typing Starlink into Google Maps just to see what other kinds of stores and things popped up.” A quick drive later, he confirmed the kiosk is real, stocked, and working.
The cheapest dish yet—and effectively free
The Starlink vending machine dispenses the Starlink Standard Kit for $89, the lowest reported sale price ever for the dish. Buyers also receive $100 in service credits if they activate within a week. As one review notes, this “makes the Starlink dish free… but you don’t have to return it if you end your service agreement.”
The kiosk also carries accessories, including mounts and the Wi-Fi Router Mini, making this Starlink vending machine more than just a dish dispenser.
What RVers should know
For RVers, the appearance of a Starlink vending machine doesn’t automatically mean the right kit is available. The Standard/Residential Kit is not optimized for travel. Most mobile users depend on Starlink Mobile or Mobile Priority, depending on travel style and data needs.
So far, DISHYtech’s walkthrough and the mall’s own listings show no traveler-oriented hardware in this Starlink vending machine—only residential equipment. But the idea has potential. If SpaceX is willing to sell dishes from a mall kiosk, it isn’t hard to imagine future Starlink vending machine models offering Mobile kits or letting buyers select their service tier during activation.
For part-time RVers who remain stationary when using Starlink and can live within the Standard Kit’s limitations, the bargain pricing might still tempt a look.
Why SpaceX is trying vending machines
SpaceX has been putting Starlink wherever shoppers already go—Home Depot, Best Buy, Costco, Walmart, and Amazon. More recently, the company launched dedicated Starlink retail stores in underserved locations. But even those locations weren’t enough: The sales team “has now set up self-service kiosks to dish out discounted equipment and subscription bonuses.”
In short, the Starlink vending machine is a new way to move equipment quickly, especially in areas where SpaceX has extra network capacity available.
What’s next
The Jordan Creek Town Center officially lists SpaceX as a vendor, suggesting this is a sanctioned test location. No word yet on whether more Starlink vending machines will appear nationwide. For now, it’s a curious—and strangely futuristic—sight: a glowing kiosk in a mall food court, with satellite dishes lined up behind glass like they’re ready for their next road trip.
Sources include PCMag, Notebookcheck
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RVT1239b
I think this is a great marketing and customer capture technique.
Place vending machines in ares with bad or limited cell service and given today’s obsession with connectivity, people will spend the money to aquire the needed equipment for connectivity. Once hooked on Starlinks superior service, Boom your in, with an account and equipment. Like free heroin, your hooked. ✌️😎