SpaceX Starlink Coming to RVs

SeabrooksFam · 03-09-2021, 12:06 PM

I just read that SpaceX has asked to start deploying the ground base stations so they can offer mobile internet to RVs, ships, planes, and semi-trucks! I have already signed up for the home version, so I'm hoping this comes to fruition.

https://arstechnica.com/information-...ts-and-planes/

latner · 03-09-2021, 01:36 PM

What's it going to cost?

5picker · 03-09-2021, 01:41 PM

Interesting that they say the 'antenna' will need to be installed by professionals.

SeabrooksFam · 03-09-2021, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5picker

Interesting that they say the 'antenna' will need to be installed by professionals.

Yes, I'm sure that's out of an abundance of caution considering they are saying it's due to radiation.

SeabrooksFam · 03-09-2021, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by latner

What's it going to cost?

No idea yet. But if it's $99/month like the home-based version, that's cheaper than anything VZW or AT&T is charging for "RV" plans.

llr · 03-09-2021, 02:48 PM

It is interesting that they say the receiver is the same as home based. So at least technically you should be able to bring your home system to a campground.

They were saying it was limited to a few miles from home but hopefully that limit either is gone or will be soon. I don't care about the in motion option, just in campgrounds

richp · 03-09-2021, 03:34 PM

$500 for the hardware put me off when I was offered a beta setup here at home. Doubt the mobile version would be cheaper, but it might be worth it for some folks.

Rich Phillips

TitanMike · 03-09-2021, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richp

$500 for the hardware put me off when I was offered a beta setup here at home. Doubt the mobile version would be cheaper, but it might be worth it for some folks.

Rich Phillips

Yes, the $500 hardware cost is significant but at least it's only a one-time expense.

Depending on the content available it seems like a bargain compared to most cable bills around me.

I told my cable company to pound sand when the bill reached $200/mo.

5picker · 03-09-2021, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richp

$500 for the hardware put me off when I was offered a beta setup here at home. Doubt the mobile version would be cheaper, but it might be worth it for some folks.
Rich Phillips

Seems a bit expensive on the surface but for folks in rural areas where NOTHING is available, they won't blink at $500 for the equipment.

I live in a rural area of PA and we have nothing at my location. No cable, no dial-up service and very limited cell service. I wound up putting in a $4k self-supporting 100' tower on my property along with over $2k worth of AirFiber equipment to have internet. One does what one has to do.

dahagen · 03-10-2021, 02:14 PM

Starlink is internet only according to their website. So it doesn't replace DirecTV or Dish. With Starlink you would have to pay extra for movies and news from streaming services like Amazon Prime, Netflix, CBS and Disney Plus. That would add quite a bit to the $99 monthly Starlink charge.

SeabrooksFam · 03-10-2021, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dahagen

Starlink is internet only according to their website. So it doesn't replace DirecTV or Dish. With Starlink you would have to pay extra for movies and news from streaming services like Amazon Prime, Netflix, CBS and Disney Plus. That would add quite a bit to the $99 monthly Starlink charge.

Yes, it's "just" the Internet. That's the whole point. Most people stream today anyway. I haven't had cable/satellite TV in YEARS. Prime comes with video, so that's a sunk cost. Netflix for me is paid by T-Mobile as a benefit of my plan, My son pays for my Paramont+ and I pay for Disney+. So, there are ways around costs.

SeabrooksFam · 03-10-2021, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TitanMike

Yes, the $500 hardware cost is significant but at least it's only a one-time expense.

Depending on the content available it seems like a bargain compared to most cable bills around me.

I told my cable company to pound sand when the bill reached $200/mo.

If you put down the $99 REFUNDABLE deposit, it is applied to the $499 cost, so that puts you at $400 when it drops. But even at $500, that's $20.83 for 24 months. How much do you pay for cable modem rentals now, I think in some parts, it's up the $8.99/month. Most people are stuck with their Internet provider for over 5 years and in most cases, forever. So, $500 is a nothing-burger for me. :-)

Comanchecreek · 03-10-2021, 05:00 PM

I'm interested in following this thread. The thought of decent WiFi on the road is exciting. We already did away with DirecTV and pretty much use the streaming services now, so something like StarLink would be great.

SeabrooksFam · 03-10-2021, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Comanchecreek

I'm interested in following this thread. The thought of decent WiFi on the road is exciting. We already did away with DirecTV and pretty much use the streaming services now, so something like StarLink would be great.

I agree. I'll try and keep it updated as more information comes out.

Comanchecreek · 03-10-2021, 06:01 PM

It will really be interesting if we can use it at home, AND take it on the road with us.

We used to do that with DirecTv, but their programming was really expensive for what you got, and the internet at the parks still stunk.

Oklamartin · 03-10-2021, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeabrooksFam

I just read that SpaceX has asked to start deploying the ground base stations so they can offer mobile internet to RVs, ships, planes, and semi-trucks! I have already signed up for the home version, so I'm hoping this comes to fruition.

https://arstechnica.com/information-...ts-and-planes/

I’m also signed up for the home version so I’m anxious to hear more about this mobile version as well. We live in a fairly remote rural area and our current internet provider is not the best.

TheWolfPaq82 · 03-10-2021, 08:31 PM

and to think, the first thing I did when we bought our cabin and acerage in MO, was to tear the satelite receiver off the roof and disconnect all the components inside, boxed em up and stuck it all in a closet. What was I thinking ?

eddy67 · 03-11-2021, 11:18 AM

Hi my starLink is scheduled to arrive tomorrow. I hope to set up over the weekend. I will let you know how it goes. I was also told the RV system were on the drawing board but likely 1 to 2 years away. They need to get all the satellites launch before it will function properly.

nayther · 03-11-2021, 02:01 PM

I'll dig into this deeper. Last we asked they were not ready to try beta on RV's, sounds like they have a new version of their dish.

My company works in the plant that makes the Starlink equipment in Hawthorne, CA and we're in the thick of this. I'll ask my foreman to poke around a bit more. I'm so looking forward to this, it will take the place of cell, satellite and wifi.

robo44 · 03-11-2021, 02:09 PM

Currently, this isn’t a good option for RVers who travel. If you can get it, and that’s an if as it’s only available in certain geographic regions and mostly rural areas, it’s geofenced to one specific address or location. Also, currently, they only have a fraction of the planned number of satellites launched, so any obstruction in the sky like trees can dramatically affect it. USD cost is $499 plus tax and shipping and $99 a month. Ummm few years before this is a on the road for RV mobile use.. I will wait

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