Starlink launches satellite Internet service for RVs with no waitlist

[Shawn Knight]

Bottom line: Starlink has launched a satellite Internet service designed specifically with travelers in mind. Starlink for RVs is more or less the same as the company's residential service in terms of hardware and functionality albeit with a few important caveats.

The service supplies Internet access on an as-needed basis anywhere Starlink provides active coverage. Users can pause and reactive service at any time to accommodate travel schedules, but service is charged in full monthly increments and cannot be pro-rated. There is no waitlist either – all orders will ship shortly after being received.

Starlink now available for RVs, campers & other large vehicle users (note, antenna too big for cars) https://t.co/uwKwduNioj

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 23, 2022

Starlink for RVs cannot be used while a vehicle is in motion. Attempting to do so will void the warranty on your kit, Starlink notes in its FAQ. Service is also always de-prioritized compared to other Starlink services, resulting in degraded service and slower speeds in congested areas and during peak hours. The company said service degradation will be the most noticeable in "waitlist" areas on its availability map during high-usage hours.

Cost is another concern. Starlink for RV retails for $599 plus $50 shipping and any applicable taxes, and it's all due up front (versus a $99 deposit due today for residential service). The monthly rate for RV service is also higher - $135 a month versus $110 a month for residential.

Is it worth it? That's up for the individual to decide. If Internet connectivity is an absolute priority, an extra $25 on top of the residential rate and potentially slower performance probably won't be much of a deterrent.

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/94700-starlink-launches-satellite-internet-service-rvs-no-waitlist.html

 

[QuantumPhysics]

Starlink and Direct TV are OK for boats, RV, isolated homes, etc but the streaming is terrible.

 

[Aranarth]

Starlink and Direct TV are OK for boats, RV, isolated homes, etc but the streaming is terrible.

Are you a actualy user of the service?
I AM

Streaming works JUST FINE!
The only streaming service that gives me issues is Paramount plus. (It gives people on cable issues too so...)

Netflix, Disney plus, Peacock, Amazon Prime, Youtube, all work just fine even with multiple streams to other devices.

If you are not a Starlink customer please stop spreading FUD.

 

[Plutoisaplanet]

Are you a actualy user of the service?
I AM

Streaming works JUST FINE!
The only streaming service that gives me issues is Paramount plus. (It gives people on cable issues too so...)

Netflix, Disney plus, Peacock, Amazon Prime, Youtube, all work just fine even with multiple streams to other devices.

If you are not a Starlink customer please stop spreading FUD.

He probably means streaming his own video online, ie. uplink data. After all, he is a YouTuber.

 

[Theinsanegamer]

Are you a actualy user of the service?
I AM

Streaming works JUST FINE!
The only streaming service that gives me issues is Paramount plus. (It gives people on cable issues too so...)

Netflix, Disney plus, Peacock, Amazon Prime, Youtube, all work just fine even with multiple streams to other devices.

If you are not a Starlink customer please stop spreading FUD.

You do not speak for all consumers nor all starlink users. Slow your roll.

 

[netman]

"Starlink for RVs cannot be used while a vehicle is in motion."

Then, Why in the Hell Musk calls it "Starlink for RVs"...???!!!

 

[wiyosaya]

"Starlink for RVs cannot be used while a vehicle is in motion."

Then, Why in the Hell Musk calls it "Starlink for RVs"...???!!!

IMO, Musk's specialty is getting people to buy his stuff even if it turns out to not be what he has made it out to be. In other words, he is a marketer, and nothing more.

 

[QuantumPhysics]

Are you a actualy user of the service?
I AM

Streaming works JUST FINE!
The only streaming service that gives me issues is Paramount plus. (It gives people on cable issues too so...)

Netflix, Disney plus, Peacock, Amazon Prime, Youtube, all work just fine even with multiple streams to other devices.

If you are not a Starlink customer please stop spreading FUD.

You do not speak for the rest.

Shall I pull up the customer service complaints???

 

[loki1944]

Such a bummer they still don't service my area; stuck with awful hughesnet.

 

[brucek]

"Starlink for RVs cannot be used while a vehicle is in motion. Attempting to do so will void the warranty on your kit, Starlink notes in its FAQ. Service is also always de-prioritized compared to other Starlink services, resulting in degraded service and slower speeds in congested areas and during peak hours."

Anyone know what is behind these terms / caveats? And does the user really have to remember to de-power the unit every time before moving the vehicle? That just doesn't sound realistic to me.

 

[bandit8623]

"Starlink for RVs cannot be used while a vehicle is in motion. Attempting to do so will void the warranty on your kit, Starlink notes in its FAQ. Service is also always de-prioritized compared to other Starlink services, resulting in degraded service and slower speeds in congested areas and during peak hours."

Anyone know what is behind these terms / caveats? And does the user really have to remember to de-power the unit every time before moving the vehicle? That just doesn't sound realistic to me.

what? powering the unit doesnt matter.. looks almost likes you magnet it on the top. if you drive you take it off. my guess though

 

[Uncle Al]

Typical Musk ..... over pricing is his new standard of operation, especially when he is preying on those located away from other services. Here's a good reason the Consumer Protection Agency needs more teeth ....

 

[mbrowne5061]

"Starlink for RVs cannot be used while a vehicle is in motion."

Then, Why in the Hell Musk calls it "Starlink for RVs"...???!!!

Because until now, you weren't allowed to move your Starlink Antennas, at all, without notifying the company and updating its location on your account. Starlink breaks its coverage up on the ground into 'hexagons', and this is what the waitlist has been all about: making sure they could get enough satellites above a hex at any given time so that it could cover every antenna in it. Starlink was never meant to maintain a link to moving target, only to service stationary antennas on the ground.

So this really just seems like they finally got a software update on their backend that can track where each antenna is, and are now going to charge people extra to use the feature of automatically updating their location.