The satellite internet designed for travellers


Suppose you’re like me and love to explore the Australian Outback. In that case, you’ll understand the feeling of being thousands of kilometres from the nearest reception. And days away from being able to use your phone or the internet!
In a lot of ways, that sounds like heaven. One of the best things about life on the tracks is the ability to disconnect from the world around us and focus on the things directly associated with our macro-existence.
On short trips, switching our technology off is a luxury. But, when you live on the road full time, whether you’re in a caravan, van, or 4X4, access to the internet becomes somewhat of a necessity. Especially for those of us who fund our lives off the beaten track by working remotely.
We’ve all heard of Starlink before, and the concept is simple. It’s a satellite internet constellation that provides high-speed, low-latency internet to remote areas. But Starlink in motion is specifically designed for caravans and RVs. So you can stream movies, check your emails, and easily get work done while you’re out in the middle of nowhere.
Starlink’s newest product, Starlink Roam, gives you access to high-speed internet no matter where you are. It utilises a flat dish designed for permanent installation on a vehicle. And is built to withstand bumps, jumps, and inclement weather. Compared to the standard dish, it features a wider field of view to pick up satellites. 140 degrees versus 100 degrees on a standard Starlink dish. It also has a better GPS chip that allows for more precise satellite tracking. These two features allow the dish to connect to more satellites. This creates a faster and more reliable connection for in-motion use.
The installation process is straightforward and easily adapted for 4X4s. So unlike the bloke who designed it, you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to set it up. Just mount the hardware on your caravan or RV, plug it in, and you’re good to go! Unlike normal Starlink, passengers can use the system in a travelling vehicle or when you’re parked up.
“But why is this such a game-changer” you ask? Well, imagine being able to access online maps while you’re on the rough stuff, research tracks and points of interest, or watch a tutorial on how to repair the bit of gear you just broke while you’re on the Canning. Or, how about being able to FaceTime your friends and family from the top of a mountain or stream Wolf Creek while you’re camped out at the crater itself? With Starlink Roam, you can do all of this and more, and you only ever need to set the device up once instead of every time you want to see who’s swiped right on you.
Plus, if you’re a remote worker like me, you’ll understand the importance of having a reliable and fast internet connection. It eliminates the need for all the pre-destination planning. Ensuring you’re going to be able to effectively work from the location you’re heading to. Without the need to skip places or leave them earlier than you would’ve liked simply because they don’t have reception.
While Starlink Roam could easily be seen as a luxury, it’s a necessity for anyone who loves to travel and explore while they work. And, with the Australian Outback being one of the most remote areas in the world, having a reliable internet connection can be a lifesaver.
Naturally, there are a few downsides to Starlink Roam. Firstly, the ease of accessibility once installed means you run the risk of becoming glued to your device even when you’re in the sticks. Secondly, it can be a little pricey, but if you’re serious about staying connected while you’re out on the road, it’s worth the investment. Finally, it still uses AC power, running at about 110-150 watts per hour on average.
Subscriptions to the Starlink Roam service will set you back around $174 per month and can be paused at any time. While standard portable Starlink hardware will see you fork out around $924, the ability to use Starlink in Motion comes at a premium: the flat dish and associated accessories retail for around $2,500.
Now, if you’re like me and the $2,500 price tag just made you wince, there is an alternative. Though, I need to mention it will almost certainly blow your chances of making any future warranty claims and I haven’t personally tested it.
There’s a fella with a shop on Etsy who claims he can turn the standard satellite dish into a flat dish, allowing users to permanently mount the hardware and access their Starlink service on the fly. I’ve watched numerous videos and read countless reviews on the Frankensteined version of the satellite dish, and so far, it seems everyone who took the leap and had their standard dish hacked to pieces is happy with the end result.
A standard Starlink satellite dish adapted for flat mounting and in motion use. Image credit: STARMOUNTSYSTEMS via Etsy