Internet Connection while overlanding and the announcement of Starlink

[XC70_OVERLANDER]

Often I get asked, “how do you stay online while travelling the world” and the simple answer is “ I don't”. Often the prices are too high; the organisation is so complex or too expensive.

But how would it be when the connection travels with you...

I ran across the Twitter announcement by Elon Musk making Starlink available for RV (and I guess Overlander). What do you think of that technology? Is that the future for even the remotest areas or just another fancy humbug?

 

[Murphy Slaw]

It's gonna be great when they work out the bugs.

 

[Kent R]

Two of our Full time members have star link and love it. @Kelly & @Magic Mike @Firemom

 

[Firemom]

Yep. Absolutely love it. Bugs have been worked out a it works great. All you need is a clear view of the northern sky. The download and upload speeds are blazing fast and the set up is very plug and play. We picked Kelly’s brain about his experience prior to purchasing our system and are very very happy with the capability and connectivity it gives us. Some are waiting till the “mobile” unit is developed or are modifying their current units to function while their rig is in motion. We don’t find the need to have the unit function while we are driving so not an issue for us.

 

[XC70_OVERLANDER]

Thanks, @Kent R, @Murphy Slaw, and @Firemom for your feedback. Pretty sure it will take a bit until it is available in Europe.

 

[Firemom]

Thanks, @Kent R, @Murphy Slaw, and @Firemom for your feedback. Pretty sure it will take a bit until it is available in Europe.

Looks like it may be there depending on where in Europe. Here is the most resent Starlink availability map. Starlink

 

[XC70_OVERLANDER]

Thanks, @Kent R, @Murphy Slaw, and @Firemom for your feedback. Pretty sure it will take a bit until it is available in Europe.

Looks like it may be there depending on where in Europe. Here is the most resent Starlink availability map. Starlink

That should work out OK; cheers for sharing.

 

[Tundracamper]

I’m curious why some areas on the map are listed as “waitlist,” which means those areas are currently at capacity. It that is the case and I know of nobody that has this, what happens when everybody has it? Can they put up enough satellites to handle that many users? The price does seem reasonable, though.

 

[9Mike2]

This is great! It will be a great boom for Search and Rescue also. For use during Hurricane or earthquake or natural disaster . Only thing is Big Brother keeping and eye on you...

 

[Firemom]

I’m curious why some areas on the map are listed as “waitlist,” which means those areas are currently at capacity. It that is the case and I know of nobody that has this, what happens when everybody has it? Can they put up enough satellites to handle that many users? The price does seem reasonable, though.

Looks like lots of people in big cities jump on Starlink because it’s super fast and “the New thing. Will be interesting to see what service quality does near the cities although we still had great service while we were near Phoenix. Only time will tell.

 

[Tundracamper]

This is great! It will be a great boom for Search and Rescue also. For use during Hurricane or earthquake or natural disaster . Only thing is Big Brother keeping and eye on you...

I don’t see how that’s any different than a cell phone. Hard not to be tracked.

 

[9Mike2]

Yes cells can be traced, but only were cel service is at, this would be from satellites all over, no dead zones. and will not go down with severe weather..

 

[XC70_OVERLANDER]

I’m curious why some areas on the map are listed as “waitlist,” which means those areas are currently at capacity. It that is the case and I know of nobody that has this, what happens when everybody has it? Can they put up enough satellites to handle that many users? The price does seem reasonable, though.

Good question.

 

[XC70_OVERLANDER]

Great input. Cheers to all of youse.

 

[Firemom]

This is great! It will be a great boom for Search and Rescue also. For use during Hurricane or earthquake or natural disaster . Only thing is Big Brother keeping and eye on you...

I don’t see how that’s any different than a cell phone. Hard not to be tracked.

Staying totally off grid these days is virtually impossible.

 

[Firemom]

This is great! It will be a great boom for Search and Rescue also. For use during Hurricane or earthquake or natural disaster . Only thing is Big Brother keeping and eye on you...

I don’t see how that’s any different than a cell phone. Hard not to be tracked.

Staying totally off grid these days is virtually impossible.

I meant off the government radar not off grid.

 

[Tundracamper]

I meant off the government radar not off grid.

Isn’t StarLink private?

 

[SWLands]

Am I wrong to think data speeds will slow down as subscriber numbers rise?

 

[Firemom]

Am I wrong to think data speeds will slow down as subscriber numbers rise?

prob not wrong but slow downs should be reduced as more satellites are added. Plus as Overlanders we generally are trying to get as far away as possible from gravely populated areas, so should experience even less slowdown.

 

[genocache]

Plenty of disgruntled users on youtube. Mostly due to ANY trees in the way can block connection. At around $600 buy in, I find it expensive. I mean that can get me around 90 gallons of diesel! I do not feel the need to be connected when I go out to get away...........