technology

Starlink satellite internet soon to be available in moving vehicles

Starlink satellite internet soon to be available in moving vehicles

Elon Musk-led SpaceX has announced that its satellite internet service ‘Starlink’ would be available for moving recreational vehicles (RVs) from December this year.

Until now, customers were required to mount a Starlink satellite dish on a stationary vehicle. It was meant to be used only while the vehicle was parked, like at a remote cabin or campsite.

But now, the company claims that clients will be able to stay connected by using Starlink’s internet while on the go, with the help of different tools.

To use the standard Starlink service for RVs, customers will have to purchase SpaceX’s $599 satellite dish, and to use the service in moving vehicles, a Flat High Performance dish has to be installed as well, which costs around $2,500.

However, the service cost will remain the same, that is $135 per month for the basic internet connection plan, ‘Best Effort’.

In a supporting document, Starlink gave further details on what to expect, stating that for users of Starlink for RVs, network resources were always de-prioritized when compared with its other services. This led to degraded service and slow speed in overcrowded areas at peak hours.

According to SpaceX’s website, the hardware has been designed to be weather-resistant and become a permanent feature on the user’s vehicle.

Under the FAQs released by Starlink, it has been mentioned that Starlink RV users will be able to utilize the in-motion service after meeting the following requirements:

  • They are using the Flat High Performance Starlink
  • The Starlink is installed securely with the Wedge mount (the mount is a part of the Flat High Performance Starlink kit)

If customers use the Flat High Performance Starlink without the Wedge mount while in motion, or with any other Starlink model, the limited warranty of the Starlink will be void.

Currently, customers in ‘select markets’ can order it, with SpaceX promising high-speed and low-latency internet only in certain regions, except the Midwest US and northern Canada.

Source credit: https://www.theverge.com/2022/10/25/23423755/spacex-starlink-for-rvs-moving-vehicles-flat-high-performance

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Meghna Singh

An English Literature graduate, Meghna Singh ventured into the profession of content development to incorporate her knack for writing articles across verticals including technology, healthcare, business, and alike for News Origins and Newsorigins. She has also completed her MBA in Tourism and worked as a content creator in the field of product development.