Starlink mobile satellite internet is coming this year

[rlw999]

Elon Musk announced on twitter that Starlink will be available for mobile applications later this year:

Yeah, should be fully mobile later this year, so you can move it anywhere or use it on an RV or truck in motion. We need a few more satellite launches to achieve compete coverage & some key software upgrades.

Here's an article with a few more details.

I'm on the waitlist for a home Starlink dish, and they said they may not ship until early 2022, so I'm a little skeptical that it will be widely available for mobile applications by then. I suspect they'll have a few "beta test" slots open for mobile users, with a broader rollout next year.

[TechWriter]

phil-t wrote:
And how will that work in campgrounds/boondocking with heavy tree cover?

You need a clear view of the northern sky.

There’s a Starlink app that can be used to check for field of vision.

I found that my unit needed “less sky” than I originally thought. However, if you’re parked under trees . . . read a book.

[agesilaus]

And how will that work in campgrounds/boondocking with heavy tree cover?

The reports I've seen say that it needs a much wider view of the sky than traditional sat service. But I have not been closely following since I taking the long term wait and see position.

[Ivylog]

Sats are low earth orbit so location is constantly changing... like XM radio so trees will be an issue.

[rlw999]

phil-t wrote:
And how will that work in campgrounds/boondocking with heavy tree cover?

I'd guess that it'll be just like satellite TV -- the campers that want reliable satellite internet will make compromises on site selection and where they camp to ensure they have a clear view of the sky and good internet. (though it's a little easier with satellite TV since the satellites are stationary, so you only need a clear view to the south(ish)).

I'd bet that most RV'ers are not in that camp (no pun intended) where they are willing to choose a less ideal location to optimize internet, it's mostly the people that are trying to work full-time while on the road that also require fast, low latency internet. Cell based internet (which will become faster and hopefully cheaper as 5G rolls out) will suffice for most people that just want to check email and do some light web browsing.

For me personally, there are only certain weeks when I'm on call and need to have reliable internet access, so that's the only time I need to make sure I have good internet.

[phil-t]

And how will that work in campgrounds/boondocking with heavy tree cover?

[Dutch_12078]

LouLawrence wrote:
I am encouraged and expect Elon will do better than the cell folks or the cable folks. He is on target to launch the necessary number of satellites and even the home antenna is already self-seeking. It should be almost a no-brainer to make the service mobile (not in motion but available at various fixed locations.
Leave it to Winegard or some other manufacturer to make an antenna capable of in-motion reception!

Did you read the article? To quote Elon Musk: "Yeah, should be fully mobile later this year, so you can move it anywhere or use it on an RV or truck in motion." (emphasis added)

[LouLawrence]

I am encouraged and expect Elon will do better than the cell folks or the cable folks. He is on target to launch the necessary number of satellites and even the home antenna is already self-seeking. It should be almost a no-brainer to make the service mobile (not in motion but available at various fixed locations.
Leave it to Winegard or some other manufacturer to make an antenna capable of in-motion reception!

[Lwiddis]

We will see!

[gbopp]

I'm still waiting for the Cyber Truck to be produced.

[K_Charles]

Someone promised us cable years ago and our neighborhood hasn't seen that yet. Then they said we will all have cell service, well not here yet.