Starlink, a constellation of internet satellites developed by SpaceX, is still expanding, and the service is solely designed for usage at the exact place where the customer has registered. However, as we reported earlier this month, the service’s new “portability” feature would allow consumers to transport their meal somewhere else every now and again for an extra $25 per month.
You still require at-home service for that bundle with portability, and it cautions consumers that they will be de-prioritized while away from home. However, if you’re a vanlifer or RV enthusiast ready to buy a dish without having a “home” address, Starlink for RVs now allows you to join up and get a dish for immediate access.
There’s no need to wait, but it’s worth noting that the service isn’t designed to operate while driving, and the antenna is a little too big for your car, as Elon Musk helpfully points out.
Of course, not everyone is pleased that Starlink for RVs now offers a no-wait option, especially since some fans who signed up for home service have shipment dates that aren’t until 2023.
However, going that path will not be inexpensive. My home location, like most folks east of the Mississippi River, is on the Starlink waiting list, but I could get a dish today for $99 down and an anticipated $110 monthly service fee. If I choose Starlink for RVs, I can have a dish sent to me right away if I pay the whole $599 price plus taxes up front and $135 per month for internet access. For an additional $25 per month, I’d want “best effort” service and the ability to halt service for months when I’m not using it. “Network resources are constantly de-prioritized for Starlink for RVs customers compared to other Starlink services, resulting in poorer service and slower speeds in busy locations and during peak hours,” according to the Starlink for RVs FAQ. The service’s stated speeds and availability are not guaranteed. During peak hours, service degradation will be most severe in “Waitlist” locations on the Starlink Availability Map.”
To read our blog on “Starlink’s new portability function gives adventurous access to the internet,” click here