Is Starlink Mini Worth It for RV Internet? Real-World Pros, Cons, and Costs

[Repereyda]

Are there any recommendations for the use of Starlink mini?

However, All recommendations are welcome for any mobile ISP with regards to:

Cost
Unlimited data
Dependability
Reliability

Thank you

 

[creativepart]

We have one but we only use it as a last resort. Our normal internet service is via cellular broadband. We have both ATT and Verizon unlimited data plans and use those 99% of the time. We have the SIMs in a GL-iNet dual sim router.

Once or twice a year on our trips we end up with no cellular connection and that’s what we use the Starlink Mini for.

5G cellular service is every bit as fast as Starlink, works everywhere (almost), is not hampered by trees and costs much less per month than an unlimited Starlink data plan.

We’ve heard from friends that their TMobile data plan is 2-3 times faster than Starlink.

Starlink is easy to use, works well as long as you are not under tree cover and is quite popular. If only it wasn’t $160 a month for unlimited service.

 

[klook]

Bought one on our recent jaunt out West. Worked great and no complaints. On
standby now

 

[HiBanky]

I guess it all depends on how often you find yourself far from towers and how much you depend on the internet.

We switched from unlimited mobile data about three years back to Star Link gen3, primarily because of spotty cell service in remote areas. StarLink may be bit slower, but we stream movies nearly every night and encounter buffering on only rare occasions. Yes, you need a fairly clear view of the sky, but a telescopic poll and a 100 ft cable will almost always get you to a spot with a clean signal. If the $160 monthly fee and the initial hardware cost doesn't hurt too much, you will almost always have internet. I was, to some degree, able to offset the cost by deducing our mobile data cell plans. The thing I like the most is how easy it is to setup and how quick it is to get connected. An added feature is the ability to make voice over IP calls when there is no cell service at all.

Sorry if this sounds too much like a sales pitch. It just works well for me.

 

[Repereyda]

Thanks HiBanky(Spanky)…I like your telescopic setup!

 

[Repereyda]

Bought one on our recent jaunt out West. Worked great and no complaints. On
standby now

Which data plan and how much for subscription when roaming?

 

[klook]

100G and $50/month

 

[texasnielsen]

100G and $50/month

We enjoy our mini portable and a hardmount receiver. When not in use , they are on standby for 5 bucks a months. Like klook, when in use (pro-rated for the month) we switch it on to the 100G for $50. Wouldn’t go out west without it.

 

[kvmllr-WO]

Are there any recommendations for the use of Starlink mini?

However, All recommendations are welcome for any mobile ISP with regards to:

Cost
Unlimited data
Dependability
Reliability

Thank you

We've just added it. When the weather breaks, I'll be installing the antenna on the roof so it's always available. I spend months at a time volunteering in state and national parks. For years, I had a WeBoost that worked for what I needed. However, when the old unit gave up the ghost my choice was to replace piece by piece and hope I found the right part, or put in a whole new system. I put in the new system and it didn't work in the same place as the old one. In conversation with WeBoost I discovered that federal regulation changes mean the new unit was not as powerful as the old. So, they accepted it back and I added starlink. Starlink recently upgraded basic service from 50g/month to 100g/month, with no change in price. It works..

 

[tomcat4u]

I guess it all depends on how often you find yourself far from towers and how much you depend on the internet.

We switched from unlimited mobile data about three years back to Star Link gen3, primarily because of spotty cell service in remote areas. StarLink may be bit slower, but we stream movies nearly every night and encounter buffering on only rare occasions. Yes, you need a fairly clear view of the sky, but a telescopic poll and a 100 ft cable will almost always get you to a spot with a clean signal. If the $160 monthly fee and the initial hardware cost doesn't hurt too much, you will almost always have internet. I was, to some degree, able to offset the cost by deducing our mobile data cell plans. The thing I like the most is how easy it is to setup and how quick it is to get connected. An added feature is the ability to make voice over IP calls when there is no cell service at all.

Sorry if this sounds too much like a sales pitch. It just works well for me.
View attachment 2421980

I too like your telescopic mount ! How do you stream movies using the starlink...how does it connect to TV? How do you make the VOIP calls?

 

[HiBanky]

To stream, you need to buy a streaming service like Prime or Netflix. The connection is by either Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable. There are several methods to get VOIP, I use Google Voice which is an app on your phone. The antenna pole is from "weBoost". If this all sounds bit complicated get a tech savvy person to help out. If you choose to go this way.

 

[Sierradave-WO]

I too like your telescopic mount ! How do you stream movies using the starlink...how does it connect to TV? How do you make the VOIP calls?

I use an Amazon Firestick plugged into my TV. I have Netflix and Prime accounts. The fire stick has a lot of free movie access apps included.

 

[oakprk]

I too like your telescopic mount ! How do you stream movies using the starlink...how does it connect to TV? How do you make the VOIP calls?

I have DirecTV at home so I use the app on a Firestick to give me all the channels as home and access to the DVR at home.
My phone has VOIP-built in so it works like normal calling.

 

[Cooperhawk]

We have the standard at our home which provides us with home security, and we have a Mini on our motorhome. My Wife works online while we travel and it works quite well. We also stream movies and watch news with it. Because of the amount of MBs she needs we have the larger plans. When we get home the Mini will go on standby on our deck for 5$ a month just to keep it current. We are very happy with it.

 

[daveb-WO]

We have one but we only use it as a last resort. Our normal internet service is via cellular broadband. We have both ATT and Verizon unlimited data plans and use those 99% of the time. We have the SIMs in a GL-iNet dual sim router.

Once or twice a year on our trips we end up with no cellular connection and that’s what we use the Starlink Mini for.

5G cellular service is every bit as fast as Starlink, works everywhere (almost), is not hampered by trees and costs much less per month than an unlimited Starlink data plan.

We’ve heard from friends that their TMobile data plan is 2-3 times faster than Starlink.

Starlink is easy to use, works well as long as you are not under tree cover and is quite popular. If only it wasn’t $160 a month for unlimited service.

Hey Creativepart, just saw your post on your wifi setup and wanted to ask you about your GL-iNet?? which model is it as there are a bunch of models available on line and where did you get you two sims for the unlimited plans and at what cost. Thanks for the additional info,

 

[oakprk]

We enjoy our mini portable and a hardmount receiver. When not in use , they are on standby for 5 bucks a months. Like klook, when in use (pro-rated for the month) we switch it on to the 100G for $50. Wouldn’t go out west without it.

I know the unlimited plan is prorated but didn't think the 50/100 was. I was about to try it out for a week trip instead of the unlimited.

 

[Repereyda]

I use an Amazon Firestick plugged into my TV. I have Netflix and Prime accounts. The fire stick has a lot of free movie access apps included.

Tomcat4u, I was planning to replace my tv’s since they are not smart, but your post allowed me to realize that I too have a Firestick, and rather than using digital antenna, I’ll use the stick (couldn’t see forest for the trees ). I’ll hold off on replacing tv’s until I test this alternative…

Thanks for the post!

 

[GitarBob]

We had the full-size system for residential service at our house, then when fiber became available, we started using Starlink for the RV. The GREAT thing about Starlink is the ability to pause service for only $5/month when not in use. Normally we get cellphone connectivity and just use my phone as a hotspot. Many RV parks offer wifi, but it's often very slow. When we NEED Internet, I pop the SL antenna panel into the mount I got from Amazon, and connect for $50 for 50G of data. The Mini system is not as fast or as reliable a connection as the full size system, but still very capable and easier to carry around. Carry Cases are also available on Amazon. I think they're selling the Mini for half-price right now, so it's a really good deal!