Can I travel with Starlink Internet? If you are asking this question, we got you covered.
Travelling has never been easier than in the current technological development era when internet service is greater than ever.
Elon Musk’s Starlink has been a game changer to anyone looking to access the web remotely.
But does this mean that you’ll access the Internet at slower speeds than normal? We’ll talk it out below.
Hence for more on accessing reliable Internet while traveling, read this article.
Table of Contents
- Can I Travel With Starlink?
- Starlink RV vs. Residential with Portability-Enabled vs. Flat High-Performance dish
- Starlink Aviation for Air Travel
- Starlink Maritime for Sea Travel
- Is My Area Starlink Enabled?
- Why Use Starlink for RVs?
- Traveling with Starlink Limitations
- Summary
Can I Travel With Starlink?
Starlink has a provision that allows travelers to have satellite networks with faster internet speeds than erstwhile modes.
The main options for digital nomads include the following:
Starlink RV with Rectangular dish
An old couple Accessing the Internet in an RV.
It is the ultimate standard travel plan if you’re an RV park enthusiast. It comes with the following features.
- You’ll need to pay an access fee of $135 monthly for the service. The fee is in addition to the one-time $599 you’ll pay for Starlink hardware if you’re getting started.
- The ultimate goal of this plan is to guarantee you flexibility on the travel. Hence, you can pause the service and not pay the access fee whenever you’re not traveling to remote locations.
- Thirdly, you’ll outrightly get satellite internet service when you apply. It doesn’t have a waiting list like the conventional Starlink residential package.
- Nonetheless, the above advantage comes at a cost, as Starlink prioritizes network access for residential service users.
- Also, Starlink has not optimized internet access for you while moving. Hence, you must only browse when stationary to allow communication between your satellite dishes and those in space.
- While the Internet may not always be more reliable than residential service, it guarantees a stable connection of up to 220 Mbps. It is sufficient for video conferencing and other internet-intensive features.
- Lastly, we cannot regard this Internet as highly power intensive. It uses similar power as those under residential plans.
Starlink RV with Flat High-Performance dish
A man browses while on the move in an RV.
Key Features.
- If you are keen to acquire this premium service, you’ll have to pay a hardware fee of $2,500. Thankfully this is a one-time payment, after which you’ll pay a monthly service fee of $135 like any other Starlink RV user.
- The primary advantage of this service over the other Starlink RV package is that it allows you to access the Internet at top speeds even while moving.
- Also, like the Starlink with rectangular dish option, this mode is a deprioritized service. Starlink always does not guarantee a reliable internet speed, as with options with a registered service address.
- This option is way better than the standard Starlink RV dish regarding internet speeds and latency. But, this increases the service’s power needs, so investing in a high-capacity power source is imperative.
Residential Starlink with Portability
A Starlink Dish on the floor.
Key features
- Like the standard Starlink RV plan, you’ll have to spend $599 on hardware, which is returnable if you quit the service.
- Also, you must pay a service fee of approximately $90 to $120. In addition, Starlink charges a portability fee of $25, which you only pay whenever you’re traveling.
- It is the standard residential connection, so it comes with the renowned key features of such a service. For instance, you will be on the waiting list when you apply for the residential service.
- Also, it guarantees service priority whenever you’re in your registered physical location.
- Unlike the flat high-performance Starlink RV, expect issues whenever you try to get a cell signal while on the move with this Internet. Hence, service optimization is only in the service address location.
- Lastly, the cell service is not too strong, but it’s still at a reliable level. Again, it’s low on power consumption, so you do not have to spend heavily on electricity.
Starlink RV vs. Residential with Portability-Enabled vs. Flat High-Performance dish
Check the table below to compare the three main Starlink Internet options while traveling.
| Starlink Residential with portability | Starlink RV with Rectangular dish | Starlink RV with Flat High-Performance dish | |
| Hardware Cost | $599 | $599 | $2500 |
| Monthly Access Cost | $90 or $120, depending on your location, with a portability fee of $25 | $135 | $135 |
| Use in Motion Provision | No | No | Yes |
| Average Download Speed | 50 to 200 Mbps | 50 to 200 Mbps | 100 to 350 Mbps |
| Average Upload speeds | 2 to10 Mbps | 2 to 10 Mbps | 10 to 25 Mbps |
| Network Latency | 20 to 40 ms | 20 to 40 ms | Below 20 ms |
Starlink Aviation for Air Travel
Starlink is available for flights.
We’ve covered the various Starlink travel options for the land.
But what of those who want to access the internet service while on a flight?
Starlink has got airlines covered thanks to the Starlink aviation service available for personal and commercial aircraft. Here’s a glimpse of the service features.
- As expected, Starlink’s hardware will be pricier than the options we covered earlier. You need to pay a hardware service fee of $150,000, which is quite out of this world. Besides, a monthly service fee is between $12,500 to $25,000.
- Further, Starlink requires you to pay $5,000 as the preorder service fee making this option arguably the priciest Starlink package.
- The main advantage of the service is that it’s available while your aircraft is flying and comes with incredibly reliable download and upload speeds. Besides, network latency is excellent (20 ms).
Starlink Maritime for Sea Travel
A woman browsing in a boat.
If you’re a boat owner wondering how to access a reliable connection while in the waters, Starlink is on your case. It delivers a pricier maritime plan than the standard RV plans but is still cheaper than Starlink aviation.
- The hardware cost for this option is $10,000, but you will pay $5,000 monthly to access the service. Luckily, you can pause it whenever you don’t need the Internet.
- Also, like Starlink aviation, this option enables you to access the service while traveling. Further, the package comes with a 5 TB priority data cap. It is quite high, and unless you’re browsing heavily, it’s near inexhaustible, especially if you own a small boat.
- Finally, the internet download and upload speeds are reliable, with lows of 100 and 10Mbps, respectively.
Is My Area Starlink Enabled?
One of the main considerations you should make when using Starlink Internet for traveling is whether the area has a reliable connection.
Luckily, if you’re in the US, you can access Starlink virtually anywhere.
But you must check Starlink’s map to see if your traveling area is high or low capacity.
So check out the map anytime you’re traveling to know what to expect.
Why Use Starlink for RVs?
Accessing the Internet next to an RV.
- Fewer satellite connections match the internet speeds of Starlink, especially for travelers. The internet service guarantees an average speed of 100mbps which is quite reliable.
- Also, Starlink is easy to set up and disassemble, making it ideal for traveling.
- If you plan to visit a region with low cell coverage, you can always bank on Starlink for RVs to bail you out. The service is available even in zones where cell boosters can do little to improve network coverage.
- Also, the cellular network comes at a cheap package especially considering the top speeds that the Internet delivers.
- In addition to enabling unlimited cell phone data access, Starlink lets you connect as many devices as possible without affecting the internet speed.
Traveling with Starlink Limitations
Starlink is a market leader regarding reliable Internet, making it the most dependable traveling partner.
But, like any other service, it has a few limitations.
Bad Weather
Bad weather limits Starlink Signal reception.
Fewer things will affect Starlink’s signal quality than bad weather.
There is a significant issue with the satellite connection when it is cloudy and stormy.
Ideally, Starlink satellite internet service requires clear skies for excellent connection.
Otherwise, your dish cannot connect to the satellite in space, thus hampering the signal quality.
Travel Restrictions
If you’re in the US, you may not have to worry about travel restrictions with Starlink.
But before venturing out of the country, check out if you can use the service.
You can still use another option, such as a cellular hotspot.
Power Supply
An RV electrical cord.
Always ensure you have sufficient powering options when using Starlink for travel.
Otherwise, you risk getting stuck in the middle of nowhere without internet access.
Deprioritization
Lastly, expect Starlink to deprioritize your connection whenever you’re away from your registered service address.
It means you won’t receive top internet speed, especially while using residential Starlink, like operating from your registered physical location.
Summary
If you have read to the end, you’re probably asking yourself if you should get Starlink for your RV.
You should take it up as there’s no better satellite internet for traveling that’s as reliable as Starlink.
Again, it doesn’t matter whether you’re traveling on land, air, or sea; Starlink got you fully covered.
Pick the plan that best suits you and enjoy high-speed network coverage on the go.
