Starlink service for boats coming... at some point

[PascalG]

Looks like SpaceX is asking for FCC permission to offer Starlink service on vessels and vehicles. That may be a game changer for boat owners who operate beyond cell service.
Current sat hardware is cheap but usage is a killer

SpaceX's New FCC Filing Requests To Operate Starlink 'In Moving Vehicles, Vessels & Aircraft'

“Granting this application would serve the public interest by authorizing a new class of ground-based components for SpaceX's satellite system that will expand the range of broadband capabilities available to moving vehicles throughout the United States and to moving vessels and aircraft...

www.tesmanian.com

 

[pdecat]

Sounds like the ideal solution to me.

 

[boatbum]

That would be a sore point with OnStar etc. but it all depends how competitive the service is. I know we would have loved to have this in the Bahamas when we Wintered over there.

 

[PascalG]

Cellular works real well pretty much everywhere in the Bahamas except at Warderick Wells in the Exumas. No real need for sat service here

 

[boatbum]

We were ok with it. However out on the mooring balls in some locations it was not all that great in spite of having a cell phone booster. Competition will make it all that much better.

 

[mixman]

It is here and just a tad expensive at $10k equipment and $3,000 per month. But it is fast and unlimited.

Starlink

High-speed internet. Available almost anywhere on Earth.

www.starlink.com

When I get back to FL this fall I'm going to mount my $600 residential Starlink antenna where my current satellite TV dome is. I'm sure I'll get my $135/months worth with that setup and put the savings in the diesel tank.

 

[ddurand]

One of the major cruise lines installed the needed equipment already on one ship to do a proof of concept for StarLink. Expecting FCC approval, which has happened.

The current WIFI on cruise ships is just painful.

 

[PascalG]

Just installed on the Lazzara 116 i run. Speeds vary since it’s an RV account and Miami is a location without available full service. We get “best effort” service. Really installed it for the bahamas. We ll see how it works

Easy install except that the connector on the cable has an oddly shaped plug which require a large hole to run thru. Had to epoxy the hole, need to get a clamshell.

 

[mixman]

Resurrecting an old topic here, but I just received this:

 

[PascalG]

It has been a game changer for us with 100% reliable internet here in Florida as well as the Bahamas and underway. We did upgrade to the High Performane flat dish 18 months ago when SL started blocking the standard dish from working at high speed.

And this has been the only issue with SL, constant changes to the rules.

While this latest change appears to be great news, restoring in motion use, apparently they ve quietly removed the option to activate metered service while offshore. To access this, it looks like you have to switch to the $400 global plan. Not 100% sure this is case but the option is no longer listed under the regional roam plan.

 

[mixman]

Give them 60-90 days and they'll change the rules yet again.