Starlink for Overlanding Connectivity

[SeattleSteve]

For about a month, I've been researching satellite connectivity solutions for Pacific Northwest adventures. I had it narrowed down to three options: 1) Zoleo (and comparable devices), 2) T-Mobile's Starlink texting, and 3) Starlink Roam Mini.

I went with a Starlink Roam Mini and want to share the cost breakdown in case there's another overlander contemplating this, too.

Starlink currently offers the Roam Mini at $350 for refurbished units. And once you activate the Mini, you can change your plan to a weekend plan that is only $10/month for 10 gigs of data/month.

This will provide an excellent supplement to Connect+ service once the adventure goes beyond the AT&T 4g service.

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[VSG]

How long was the waitlist? Starlink has been at capacity in the Seattle area for a long time.

 

[SeattleSteve]

How long was the waitlist? Starlink has been at capacity in the Seattle area for a long time.

No waiting for Roam service

 

[JM.]

I've got a full-sized, and have used it to camp but not while moving. A friend picked up a Mini in Mexico and the cost was less than half, along with the plan being cheaper. We don't know what will happen long term when he's back in the US later in the month. He's been using it mobile with a windshield suction mount, works great.

 

[Killer95Stang]

Back to the subject... No personal experience, but my coworker showed me his Starlink Mini setup in Mexico recently. He owns a Ranch in an area with zero coverage. A few solar panels, inverter and the Starlink Mini was all he needed to have stable communication. He has one employee that takes care of the Ranch when he is gone and he has no issues with it either. I'll probably pick up one of the refurb units you mentioned. Thanks.

 

[babock]

I use a Starlink Gen3 and bought the Starlink branded 12V converter. I typically camp 1 week at a time so I can survive with the $50 50GB plan and pause the service in-between trips.

My billing period is 15th to 15th. Last trip, I unpaused on the 3rd so my cost for the trip was only $21 after it was prorated.

 

[Thedude]

Starlink has been my only internet for over four years now. My house is setup on the $90 residential reduced rate and my mini is in the $30 50gb plan. No complaints with either of them and the mini offers something no one else can - easy, fast and reliable connectivity anywhere I want to power it up.

 

[Birdowin]

I use Garmin IN REACH. Text anyone from anywhere in the world. Press emergency button anywhere in the world and they will text back and ask about the emergency and take steps to set up rescue. If you don"t answer their text they will send help. sends GPS coordinates with each text. reasonable monthly cost, activate only when you need it.

 

[babock]

My friend has the Garmin In Reach. I would never use one. Texts MIGHT go through or they might go through in a few hours some times. It's $7.50/month. If all you want tot do is text, you can use a Starlink subscription for $10/10GB and even have left over for actually making phone calls and a little internet surfing. You can pause when not needed.

 

[JM.]

I used to own an inReach and a SPOT; they have their place. I used them for motorcycle, Jeep and boat, adventures in the middle of nowhere. It has very low convenience due to limitations, but a pretty good safety factor for emergencies. Starlink is a whole different thing. If I can continue to work, then I can go adventure on a Wednesday afternoon and nobody will know. This is my soft retirement plan; work fewer hours from the middle of nowhere, but still be reachable. Some think phones and internet is a leash. I've always known that it's freedom from the real leash; my desk chair.

 

[emoore]

Haven't used the roam starlink but have used the residential one in northern minnesota cabins. Works really well and hopefully with some competition prices will come down.

 

[TexasBob]

I use Garmin IN REACH. Text anyone from anywhere in the world. Press emergency button anywhere in the world and they will text back and ask about the emergency and take steps to set up rescue. If you don"t answer their text they will send help. sends GPS coordinates with each text. reasonable monthly cost, activate only when you need it.

FWIW Iphone: You can text anyone from anywhere with the free Satellite SOS feature on iPhone 14+ (personally verified it worked without a hitch on a backpacking trip to the Canadian Rockies last year).

https://support.apple.com/en-us/105097

Also T-Mobile on iPhone 14+ has more comprehensive starlink connectivity (voice, multimedia text, etc.). Beta is free.

https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/satellite-phone-service

Also, Amazon Kuiper starting to launch next month (launch last week scrubbed by weather). Will offer a competing service to Starlink.

Several current and upcoming options depending on your needs.

 

[babock]

FWIW Iphone: You can text anyone from anywhere with the free Satellite SOS feature on iPhone 14+ (personally verified it worked without a hitch on a backpacking trip to the Canadian Rockies last year).

https://support.apple.com/en-us/105097

Also T-Mobile on iPhone 14+ has more comprehensive starlink connectivity (voice, multimedia text, etc.). Beta is free.

https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/satellite-phone-service

Also, Amazon Kuiper starting to launch next month (launch last week scrubbed by weather). Will offer a competing service to Starlink.

Several current and upcoming options depending on your needs.

I have used it a couple times.

Not quite ready for prime time.

 

[ohseedee]

Starlink mini is great. I keep mine mounted to my crossbar and power routed to the bed when off roading and camping. The $10/10GB a month roam plan is ideal for me as most of the time I’m just using it to stay connected with family while out In the woods. It’s easy to add more data or change the plan temporarily if needed.

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