SpaceX has taken an unexpected step in expanding its retail footprint for Starlink, deploying Starlink vending machines inside a shopping mall in West Des Moines, Iowa. Instead of your favourite candy or bag of chips, this vending machine dispensing discounted Starlink hardware and accessories.
First spotted back in October, the vending machine is located in the food court at Jordan Creek Mall, the Starlink Self-Serve kiosk offers a Standard Kit for just US$89, undercutting the regular US$349 retail price. The machine also stocks mounts, accessories, and even the new Wi-Fi Router Mini, all available for instant pickup with no staff required.
Spotted at an Iowa mall. I had no idea Starlink had vending machines!! Genius pic.twitter.com/RygUOk4VdG
— Erica ~The Accidental Relator~ (@EricaJo) October 24, 2025
According to YouTuber DishyTech, customers who purchase from the kiosk also receive a $100 service credit if they activate their dish within seven days, effectively making the hardware free when factoring in the promotional bonus.
However, unlike Starlink’s free equipment rental program, which is offered in select underserved regions, the hardware from the vending machine is yours to keep, even if you cancel service later.
The vending machine is another one of SpaceX’s strategies to pushes Starlink deeper into mainstream retail. After rolling out hardware to partners such as Best Buy, Home Depot, Costco, Walmart, London Drugs, and Amazon earlier this year, the company opened its own brick-and-mortar Starlink store, located in Nebraska, with three others planned to open soon.
