Starlink has been a buzzword in the RV and nomadic communities for a couple of years. While spotting these satellite Internet dishes in the wild was somewhat rare, it’s becoming increasingly common. Compared to other satellite Internet services, Starlink is the best option.
Today’s article is for you if you’re on the fence about using Starlink in your RV. Let’s take a look.
What Is Starlink?
Starlink link is a satellite Internet service created by Elon Musk and his company SpaceX. Over the last several years, they’ve launched thousands of low-earth orbiting satellites into space.
This army of satellites circles the globe and provides high-speed Internet access almost anywhere. While the company currently has a couple of thousand satellites, it eventually aims to have over 40,000.
Because the satellites constantly circle the globe, users often connect to multiple satellites at once. They move from satellite to satellite to provide a seamless connection.
Users in remote locations with little to no modern infrastructures can now take advantage of blazing Internet speeds. The Starlink network has increased communication abilities for the military and those fighting wildfires in remote regions.
Is Starlink Available for Everyone?
Starlink is currently not available for everyone. To avoid network congestion and to provide the best user experience, Starlink limits the number of users in certain areas.
The more SpaceX can launch Starlink satellites into space, the more users the network can handle. When Starlink first hit the market, it was only available in the northern portion of the country and for those with fixed residential addresses.
Currently, Starlink has expanded availability to nearly the entire country and offers plans for those traveling in RVs.
However, some portions of the country still have no availability due to user demand. Starlink allows customers to pay a deposit to reserve their place in line for when spots on the network open up.
Why Do RVers Need Internet?
We live in a day and age where remote work and learning have become increasingly popular and necessary. Lately, more people and families have embraced the nomadic lifestyle in RVs. However, RVers need the Internet for more than just working and learning.
The weather doesn’t always cooperate to spend time outside. Having Internet in your RV can allow you to watch TV shows or play games online with friends or family.
People also need it for navigation purposes and looking up weather reports that might affect their travel. Having a fast and reliable Internet connection is very important to many RVers.
Benefits of Starlink
Compared to other options, it’s easy to fall in love with Starlink. Several benefits make Starlink an excellent option for RVers. Let’s look at why we think you’ll love it.
Faster Speeds
RVers often have to battle slow Internet. However, Starlink provides speeds that these RVers could only have dreamed about in the past. Instead of single-digit download speeds in some locations, users can experience downloads over 100 Mbps.
Starlink’s speeds meet the needs of most RVers for work, school, and entertainment. Speeds will likely continue to grow as Starlink expands its network.
Service in Remote Locations
In the past, most RVers relied on cellular networks established by large companies like AT&T and Verizon for their Internet. These were great options in urban areas or places with well-established infrastructures but were of little use in remote areas.
In some locations, mountains, trees, and other landscapes hindered abilities to get signals. However, this isn’t nearly as much of a problem with Starlink as long as you have a clear view of the sky.
These Starlink satellites can connect with the low-earth orbiting satellites in space practically anywhere on earth. This means some of the best public lands out west with little to no cell signal can get Internet. Those RVers who enjoy boondocking may love taking their Starlink service to remote locations.
Unlimited Data
Data caps have been a massive hurdle for many RVers. Most data plans feature a cap to prevent network abuse.
Even plans labeled “unlimited” aren’t truly unlimited as a connection often gets deprioritized on the network once it uses a specific amount of data. However, Starlink currently has no data cap.
Not having a limit means not worrying about how much data you will use when streaming a movie or binge-watching your favorite TV show. If you stream high-definition content regularly, you can easily consume hundreds of gigabytes of data in a month. Using Starlink means no longer worrying about overages or managing your use.
Easy to Set Up
Older satellite services required professional installation and calibration. However, Starlink has made its systems so easy that anybody can have their system up and running within minutes.
Simply download the Starlink App from your mobile device, place your system in a spot with a clear view of the sky, and plug it into a power source. The device will power up and make the necessary adjustments to connect to the satellites and provide you with optimal service.
Drawbacks of Starlink
While Starlink has a lot to love, it comes with a few drawbacks to the service. Let’s look at a few of the negative characteristics of Starlink.
Not Designed for Urban Locations
Elon Musk has repeatedly said that Starlink isn’t the best option for those in urban and more populated areas. Starlink isn’t the fastest or cheapest Internet option for most people who live in a region with available cable and other broadband services.
Network congestion will increase, and the user experience will decrease the closer users get to one another. Many cities and urban areas build up instead of out, which means some users would block others.
Expensive
You’ll have to pay a high price for a premium service. The equipment needed for Starlink costs over $600 and an additional $110 per month. However, RVers who want the freedom to move their service from one location must pay an additional $25 per month.
When you compare Starlink’s prices to residential Internet options, it’s exponentially more expensive. Typically residential users can rent equipment, pay a fraction of the cost each month, and get much faster speeds.
However, many RVers who rely on the Internet to work from the road have likewise paid hundreds of dollars every month for multiple cell phone plans. These RVers find Starlink’s monthly fee a small price for what they get in return.
No Guarantee of Service in All Areas
While Starlink services much of the country, you can’t get it everywhere. Starlink divides the country into cells and only allows so many users per cell.
Once a cell fills up, it won’t accept any more users. The more satellites they launch into space, the more users they can allow in each section.
This can cause problems for RV users who travel across the country. Finding an open cell when traveling in populated areas becomes very difficult.
Depending on your needs, you may have to change your travel plans to find locations with an open spot to stay connected for work, school, or entertainment.
Is Starlink Worth It?
Starlink is a game-changing service for many RVers who heavily rely on the Internet while traveling. They may spend hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on equipment and service fees with other providers.
Starlink provides RVers with a bit of freedom when it comes to their travels and can allow them to stay connected in more places.
It’s exciting to see Starlink become more available to RVers and how it will change how many travel and use their RVs. It’s an incredible technology that will likely only get better the more Musk and his team can develop it.
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