SpaceX has announced via Twitter that its Starlink for RVs satellite internet service will become available for moving vehicles starting this December.
Current Starlink satellite dishes for RVs are mounted outside of a stationary vehicle and are intended for use only while parked, such as in a remote cabin or when camping. But soon, customers will not have to sacrifice connectivity when moving on the road.
This photograph taken on September 25, 2022, shows an antenna of the Starlink satellite-based broadband system donated by the US tech billionaire Elon Musk in Izyum, Kharkiv region, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
New Starlink for RVs Satellite Internet Won't Be Cheap
SpaceX just launched its Starlink for RVs service a few months ago that offers high-speed, low-latency internet access to vehicles at any location while they are parked, Digital Trends reported.
Enjoy high-speed, low-latency internet while on the move! Now accepting orders for the flat high-performance Starlink, which provides connectivity while in motion on land → https://t.co/tWDPs3JDWK pic.twitter.com/z2HNxaizdW
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) October 25, 2022
The recent announcement from SpaceX upgrades this experience as it now allows connections while the vehicle is moving. But the service does not come cheap.
The current price for Starlink for RVs service is $599 per satellite dish, and using it in motion will require a Flat High-Performance dish that costs a whopping $2,500. The flat high-performance service can connect to more satellites due to its broad field of view and improved GPS capabilities.
The Verge reported that the service will cost the same $135 a month for the "Best Effort" internet connection. The company explains that the network resources are always de-prioritized for Starlink for RVs users compared to the company's other services which led to degraded service and slower speeds in congested areas, especially during peaked hours.
Starlink's website says the hardware is built to be weather-resistant that is designed to be permanently installed on the vehicle, which likely also is the reason for its increased price to get the internet service up and running.
Getting Approval To Use New Technology in Moving Vehicles
According to Starlink's FAQ page, the in-motion use for moving vehicles is supported for users with Starlink RV service that meets their criteria. First, they must use Flat High-Performance Starlink. Secondly, Starlink is securely installed with the Wedge mount and Flat High-Performance Starlink kit.
Lastly, using any other Starlink model or using Flat high-Performance Starlink while in motion without the Wedge mount will void the limited warranty of the Starlink.
The Starlink for RVs in motion is available for order and use in select markets with the promise of high-speed and low-latency internet in certain areas in just a couple of months from now.
Starlink has been building this capability for a few months and waited for FCC to get the authorization to use it on moving vehicles. Since its approval, SpaceX has announced that Starlink satellite internet service will become available to airplanes, and cruise ships soon.
RELATED ARTICLE: SpaceX's Starlink is Offering Space-Based Internet Service to Airlines; Testing Now Underway
Check out more news and information on Starlink in Science Times.
