Starlink: Is It Worth It?

EquipmentReview

Jan 26

Short answer: Yes

In almost every place we stop, one of the most common question we get is, “How do you like that Starlink?” Let’s go over some key details and why we love it so much.

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What Is Starlink?

Developed by SpaceX, Starlink is the world’s first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls, and more. It leverages advanced satellites and user hardware coupled with its deep experience with both spacecraft and on-orbit operations. Starlink delivers high-speed, low-latency internet to users all over the world. Basically, it’s high-speed internet available almost anywhere on Earth.

Why Do You Need Starlink?

Meghen works a remote job full-time and needs access to the internet to do her job. On top of that, we can do anything else you can do when you can access the internet; watch movies and television on our streaming platforms, browse social media, upload photo and video content, etc. Starlink really shines in its ability to keep us connected online in areas with absolutely zero cell service (looking at you, Big Bend). With Starlink, we can utilize our phone’s GPS to plan our next destination without worrying about losing service. It connects within minutes and packs up quickly when it’s time to move to your next destination.

How Much Does Starlink Cost?

Hardware Kit: $599 + Shipping & Handling + Tax

This is a one-time purchase that includes everything you need to get started. It includes a Starlink dish, base, router, ethernet, and AC cable. We have the Standard Actuated version.

Monthly Rate: $150

Since we’re living in our RV, we have the Mobile Service Plan. You can pause and un-pause service at any time. Billing is in one-month increments, allowing you to customize your service to your travel needs.

IS Starlink Reliable?

We’ve been using Starlink since 2022, a couple of months at a time. In our experience, we’ve only had two instances where the connection cut off for about 20 minutes. In another example, in UP Michigan, the tree coverage completely blocked our service. Other than those three issues, we’ve had excellent service.

Can You Use Starlink On The Road?

Yes! In-motion use is supported with Mobile Priority service plans and the Flat High-Performance hardware, which is designed for permanent installation on your vehicle.

Are You Worried About Someone Stealing Starlink?

Not really. If it does happen to get kidnapped, you can contact Starlink Customer Service to let them know so you won’t be charged for unauthorized services. Plus, Michael fashioned up a flagpole mount so it sits about 10 feet in the air.

Where Do You Put Starlink While Using It?

Starlink comes with a 6” tall base that you can use to set on the ground or a table. After several months of using that, we added another option to mount Starlink on the camper when stationary. We purchased a flag pole from Harbor Freight (but you can get it from Amazon), a stand base, and a coupling to fit on top of the pole to hold Starlink in place. This allows us to raise it up to 20 feet in the air if desired (although we typically only go slightly above the camper). Since we don’t have a ladder on the rear of the camper, it works well for us. If you have a ladder, a company called Flagpolebuddy makes an excellent mount to raise and lower your pole easily.

Get The Flagpole From Amazon

Get The Flagpole from Harbor Freight