For many RVers, finding a reliable internet connection when traveling to remote areas has been a challenge. Cellular networks don’t always reach everywhere and signals can be weak. But Starlink for RV has been changing the scenario with fast internet on the road.
Using a network of satellites, Starlink provides internet access across North America, including in hard-to-reach places. RVers and digital nomads no longer have to search for spots with cellular service. Starlink’s satellite dish is compact and portable, making it easy to use while traveling. It sets up quickly and provides download speeds similar to cable internet at home.
We’ll explain how Starlink works, the mobile services it offers, and if it’s the right choice for RVers.
Contents
What Is Starlink RV Internet? Starlink Roam Explained
Starlink Roam is a special internet service from Starlink. It’s perfect for RVers and anyone who travels a lot. It has two packages:
- Mobile
- Mobile Priority
The Mobile package has two more services: Regional (for using within a continent) and Global (for using across the world).
Starlink already provides internet access from satellites to places that don’t have good internet options. But Starlink Roam lets you take the internet with you as you move around.
Starlink Roam works with a small satellite dish you can easily install on your RV or van. Once it’s set up, you get internet access wherever you go as long as you’re in an area Starlink serves.
The internet speeds are really fast, up to 200 megabits per second sometimes. This is way better than most smartphone data plans. But it depends how many other Starlink users are nearby since they all share the bandwidth. Still, most people find it working great for streaming, video calls, online gaming, and more while traveling.
Starlink Roam allows RVers or anyone changing locations frequently to stay connected without interruption. Just pack up the small dish and take it with you to your next destination.
Starlink for RV: Types of Mobile Services
So, we’ve already mentioned that there are two mobile plans that have been designed for people on the go. Let’s discuss what they actually offer:
1. Starlink Mobile
Starlink Mobile is a land-based internet service that is perfect for travelers like RVers and digital nomads. With this service, you can stay connected at your campsite.
There are two different plan options for Starlink Mobile users:
- The Regional plan allows you to use your Starlink dish within your home continent, so users in the USA can connect anywhere in North America.
- For global travelers, there is also a Global plan that works outside your home continent.
Both the Regional and Global plans fall under the “Standard Mobile” service level. This means that if the Starlink network gets congested, your connection may get deprioritized to give other users priority.
The package provides speeds of 5-50 Mbps download and 2-10 Mbps upload though it may be on the slower end. Latency is generally under 99ms unless you’re in a very remote area.
One big benefit of Starlink Mobile is the ability to pause your subscription when you aren’t using it. This is perfect for RVers who only travel seasonally. You pay for a full month when you unpause but it allows you flexibility to only pay for months you need the service.
The current prices of the plan are:
- Standard hardware (one-time fee): $599
- Regional plan: $150/m
- Global plan: $400/m
On May 16, 2024, Starlink increased the Global plan price from $200 to $400. The updated pricing was effective immediately for new customers. The current users will pay it from August 16, 2024.
These prices make Starlink Mobile a bit pricier than mobile hotspots but it has the advantage of reliable speeds almost anywhere versus relying on cell signal strength.
2. Starlink Mobile Priority
Starlink’s Mobile Priority plan is meant for those who need high-speed internet even while in motion. This includes vessels at sea, emergency response vehicles like ambulances, and mobile businesses with fleets of vehicles. The plan prioritizes these users under Starlink’s standard Priority level.
The plan offers the potential for faster speeds than regular mobile service. However, it does come with monthly data limits rather than unlimited data. Customers can choose from tiers of 50GB, 1TB, or 5TB of priority data per month. Once they reach their limit, they will still get standard speed service until the end of the billing cycle.
To access Mobile Priority, users need a special Flat High Performance satellite dish that is designed to maintain a strong signal even while the vehicle is moving. They’ll get download speeds typically between 40-220 Mbps with upload speeds of 8-25 Mbps and latency under 99ms.
The current prices of the plan are:
- Flat high performance hardware (one-time fee): $2,500
- 50GB priority service: $250/m
- 1TB priority service: $1,000/m
- 5TB priority service: $5,000/m
This tiered pricing structure makes the Mobile Priority plan affordable for various data and connectivity needs.
Comparison Between Starlink Mobile vs Starlink Mobile Priority
It’s pretty clear that the standard “Mobile” plan is the most affordable option for campers and RVers. However, if you need internet connection while on the move, the more expensive “Mobile Priority” plan should be your option. We’ve made a comparison chart for your convenience:
| Starlink Mobile | Starlink Mobile Priority | |
| Target Users | Recreational RVers, occasional users | Maritime vessels, emergency response teams, large fleets |
| Priority Level | Standard priority | Higher priority above standard users |
| Hardware Required | Standard dish ($599) | Flat High Performance dish ($2,500) |
| Data Speed | 5-50 Mbps down, 2-10 Mbps up | 40-220 Mbps down, 8-25 Mbps up |
| Data Allotment | Unlimited standard data | Monthly data tiers from 50GB-5TB |
| Included Locations | Home continent (Regional), worldwide (Global) | Worldwide connectivity including while in motion |
| Pause Feature | Allows monthly pause | N/A |
| Monthly Plan Options | Regional $150, Global $400 | $250 for 50GB, $1,000 for 1TB, $5,000 for 5TB |
How to Set up Starlink for RV: Tools and Installation
Setting up the Starlink hardware at a camping site is one of the easiest of tasks. The standard kit comes with all the required accessories.
Tools Needed
The Starlink Mobile Roam kit is all you need to get started with satellite internet on your RV. The kit includes:
- Starlink dish: This dish receives the signal from Starlink satellites overhead.
- Mounting base: The base holds the dish securely and allows it to point toward the sky.
- Router: This device connects to the dish and provides your RV’s Wi-Fi network.
- Cables: Two cables connect the dish to the base and the base to the router.
You can also buy a travel case for storing the dish and other components while in transit. An Ethernet adapter can be another good addition for connecting devices, like gaming consoles or desktop PCs, with an Ethernet cable for a wired internet connection.
Having the right tools makes setting up and using Starlink a breeze. With just the basic kit you’re ready to go online from anywhere.
The Initial Installation Process
Setting up Starlink in your RV is pretty easy once you get the kit. The first time though, there are a few things to keep in mind. Let us walk you through it step-by-step.
- The first thing you’ll want to do is to check the kit box to make sure you have all the parts. To start, clip the dish onto the base that lets it move around.
- After that, plug one end of the power cord into the base and the other end into an outlet in your RV. This gives power to both the dish and router. Make sure your RV can supply at least 50 watts since that’s what the system needs to work right.
- Then, set the dish attached to the base on the RV roof or somewhere flat outside. Point the dish up towards the sky so nothing blocks its view.
- Open the Starlink app on your phone and follow the instructions. Sign into your account and select the Roam kit. Put your location and select the name and password for your Wi-Fi.
- The dish may take 10 to 20 minutes to connect to a satellite. Stay on the app and wait for it to say the connection works okay before you go online.
- When it’s all connected, you can start streaming videos or browsing the web with your new satellite internet.
Make extra sure nothing is blocking the dish when you set it up. It won’t work well if there are trees or other RVs in its way.
Connecting Starlink at Camping Stops
After the initial setup is done, you need to connect the dish every time you stop at a camping spot. Just follow these simple steps:
- Find a clear spot with an open view of the sky and position the Starlink dish there.
- Once the dish is plugged in, it takes just a few minutes to calibrate.
- When the Wi-Fi service is up, connect your devices to it.
After the initial installation, setting the connection at next camping stops is really quick.
Conclusion
Starlink for RV opens up new possibilities for campers. RVers no longer have to stay in remote areas without the internet. As long as the sky is clear, Starlink dishes receive fast, reliable signals almost anywhere.
While cell data can be spotty on the road, Starlink delivers smooth connectivity across vast distances. The price is also worth the internet freedom it provides.
