As a new comer to the world of full-time RV living I found myself diving into a wormhole in search of sufficient internet connectivity. It turns out there are not many choices, I learned there is barely a handful.
But the one that stuck out the most was SpaceX's Starlink, I was immedietly enamored with the technology. Starlink has created a network of low Earth orbiting satellites called the Constellation. SpaceX claims there are thousands of these satellites creating a net around Earth; the satellites offer low latency (Low Latency: Meaning your internet is fast.) Internet at speeds triumphing most standard internet services.
The satellites in the Constellation have a technology in them which allows them to autonomously (Autonomously: Automatically) maneuver to avoid collision with one another and debree while in orbit. The satellites have a total of six antennas on each, this was done in order to increase capacity (Capacity: How fast data transfers from the satellite).
SpaceX has also installed sensors on each satellite called Star Tracker allowing them to maintain a perfect orbit in an attempt to reduce internet interruption as much as possible. Star Tracker surveys the stars to determine each satellites altitude and orientation, it gets even more exciting; I love the future!
Starlink uses "space lasers".
I'll type it again just so you can absorb how cool this is.
Ok, ok, are you ready?
Space.....Lasers.
Ah! I can't.
We are now in a part of human existence where the term space laser is a real thing. These space lasers allow the satellites to transmit data without local ground stations, not having ground stations allows coverage to become even broader throughout the globe.
The set-up was super easy, Star Link arrives in a big black box and snaps together in a few easy steps. You plug in the modem and "BOOM" Star Link comes to life, you name your network, create a password; from there its all high quality connectivity.
The Starlink system was built with the understanding there will be moments of intense heat or cold, she is durable up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit and as low as twenty-two degrees below zero. Now, I will say the system has it's moments when the sky is of heavy clouds or there is an intense rain storm. You can keep an eye on your system from the app which is pretty cut and dry so its very easy to use.
Starlink also offers range extenders called the Mesh, you can purchase these for $130.00 to really ramp up the quality of connectivety throughout your space. I plan to grab one sooner than later along with battery back-up. In the event of a power outage I plan to have the Roes Royce 2 fully operational and connected.
Overall my experience with Starlink has been great, our neighbors at K-Park have one attached to their RV as well. For what it is worth Starlink runs at $150.00 a month with an initial startup of $699.00. After the set-up fee you are paying on par with all of the mainstream internet providers, except your Starlink is portable and on a network of it's own so there is not a lot of clutter. I look forward to seeing what future updates arise from Starlink, I have a feeling Musk isn't stopping here.
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