Starlink, is it a good option.

[AntonyA]

This June, we're planning to travel extensively around Europe for about five months. Fortunately, we're not restricted by the 90-day Schengen limit. Our main concern is reliable internet access while on the road.


We're considering two options: Starlink or a SIM card setup with a router. We've seen some attractive eSIM data deals, but we're unsure whether there are routers that support eSIMs—or if it might be better to use a spare mobile phone with a data-only SIM and hotspot it to our laptops and TV. Starlink seems reliable but expensive.


Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. We will be traveling to France, Italy, Switzerland, Croatia, Thanks in advance!

 

[Googlebot]

Is there any reason it’s half the price in Spain?

I might have a punt at £50 a month, £90 is ridiculous.

I am the same as Just smiffy and just use Tesco, works perfectly for us.

 

[Kups]

What about areas with inadequate mobile coverage?
I’m not certain there are “plenty of affordable SIM cards” that offer unlimited service.
Although a two-month stay may be restrictive, you can change your service address after two months if Starlink restricts your service.

I personally probably don’t require unlimited access, but it’s incredibly liberating not to constantly check my usage!

I also have a Spanish Lobster SIM card 300 GB for £24.99 per 28 days. Brilliant service in English and fair prices. So tht's all I need for EU access. https://www.lobster.es/pay-as-you-go-plans/

 

[helzie2020]

Not forgetting that Starlink satellites have a limited lifespan and are 'de-oribited' regularly and replaced by new ones. There are 5831 satellites currently in orbit, not all of which are active. There will never be 42000 Starlink satellites in orbit simultaneously.

I don't know if you are correct to say that there will never be 42,000 in orbit at the same time; you probably are right. However, the number in orbit is already significant and is increasing.

As of today, 8,289 have been launched of which 7,222 are still in orbit; that is 87 more than there were on 28 March (2 weeks ago), and 1,391 more than the number you quote.

Jonathan's Space Pages: Starlink Statistics

Even with the current numbers, SpaceX satellites account for more than 60% of all the satellites in space; there are more of them than all the others put together.

For me, it's just another criterion to consider when deciding whether to use Starlink.

 

[Tony50]

The OP never asked your opinion on the owner and it’s totally irrelevant to the thread.
So just to balance it out. I think he’s just fine and doing a great job. This is also totally irrelevant to the thread.

for the OP consider buying the Starlink in France and register there.
You could do a search for the Starlink thread that towards the end explains how.
You still have the 60 days restriction but that would not start till you leave France maybe giving you more time into your trip. Also it’s only €72 so will save you £35 ish per month the dish is also cheaper in France. I bought at a shop called Darty. Just remember you reset your 60 days by using the Starlink in the registered country again.
Hope this is helpful

I'm always told it's a friendly site, and fun, I sometimes move slightly away from a post, and , don't expect to have my hand slapped.

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[gus-lopez]

I also have a Spanish Lobster SIM card 300 GB for £24.99 per 28 days. Brilliant service in English and fair prices. So tht's all I need for EU access. https://www.lobster.es/pay-as-you-go-plans/

Ôr use Digi & get unlimited for 15€/month

 

[CAB96]

There are other option that have not been mentioned here! Several alternatives to Starlink satellite internet exist, including other satellite providers like Viasat, HughesNet, and OneWeb,
Eutlestat is another option (although i think it they have partnered with one of the above now.
Just punch any if the above into google and you’ll find most are cheaper options than Starlink.

With consumer options?

Wow, excellent. Which one would you recommend?

 

[akadingbat]

Worth having a chat with Motorhome Wi-Fi people, they are really helpful.

Motorhome WiFi | 4G/5G Built in WiFi for Motorhomes and Caravans

Since 2012 we have provided fast, secure and reliable solutions for motorhomes and caravans for use in remote and rural locations. We have a range of 4G and 5G products with installation available form over 150 dealers across the UK.

www.motorhomewifi.com

 

[Paul Wilkins]

For those stressing an anti-musk/Starlink opinion please remember to turn off the ‘satellite option’ on your iPhones.. coz guess what… it’s provided by Starlink.

 

[Paul Wilkins]

He gave them to Ukraine because it was a great promotion. "Look at what my product can do!". He had zero thoughts about the political or humanitarian implications. Also, his "free" Starlinks to disaster areas have turned out to be free hardware, and you signed up to a lengthy contract. But it sounded good in the PR.

I’m assuming that’s your personal opinion and not based on anything factual?

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[Coolcats]

For those stressing an anti-musk/Starlink opinion please remember to turn off the ‘satellite option’ on your iPhones.. coz guess what… it’s provided by Starlink.

Partly true, Starlink is a provider not the provider…

“Delivered in partnership with Globalstar, Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite service utilizes the spectrum in L and S bands specially designated for mobile satellite services by ITU Radio Regulations. When an iPhone user makes an Emergency SOS via satellite request, the message is received by one of Globalstar’s 24 satellites in low-earth orbit traveling at speeds of approximately 16,000 mph. The satellite then sends the message down to custom ground stations located at key points all over the world.”

Emergency SOS via satellite made possible by $450M Apple investment

A $450 million investment from Apple’s Advanced Manufacturing Fund supports Emergency SOS via satellite for iPhone 14 models.

www.apple.com

Apple to be largest user of Globalstar’s satellite network for iPhone messaging

Apple formally announced its long-anticipated partnership with Globalstar Sept. 7 to provide satellite messaging services for new iPhones and becoming Globalstar’s biggest customer.

spacenews.com

Apple invests billions in Globalstar for satellite services and improved iPhone connectivity

Apple invests heavily in the future of satellite networks

www.techradar.com

Apple’s New ‘Game Changer’ iPhone Update Brings Starlink Satellite Access

Apple has been “secretly working” with SpaceX and the result is that the latest iOS software update means iPhones can access Starlink.

www.forbes.com

 

[matbic]

For those stressing an anti-musk/Starlink opinion please remember to turn off the ‘satellite option’ on your iPhones.. coz guess what… it’s provided by Starlink.

Apple use Globalstar Inc to provide their satellite messsging. https://support.apple.com/en-us/105097

There is a beta service in the USA which works with iPhone and is provided by T-Mobile and Starlink.

So I guess most people would be turning off an Apple/Globalstar service.

 

[Paul Wilkins]

Apple use Globalstar Inc to provide their satellite messsging. https://support.apple.com/en-us/105097

There is a beta service in the USA which works with iPhone and is provided by T-Mobile and Starlink.

So I guess most people would be turning off an Apple/Globalstar service.

In which case, I stand corrected.

 

[Nmcd1963]

Oooo

Yes you are right and I respect your thought and opinion

But I will not support or condone a misogynistic racist fascist who admits to be addicted to ketamine - nor will I add to his personal fortune by endorsing his businesses

That’s my choice that I am quite happy to share with all

(It’s not personal btw - I just won’t accept people like Elon musk)

Totally agree, refusetoline the pockets of a person like him, plus it’s not a cheap option, plus if he has a tantrum he can just shut it down when he feels like it. In addition to the fact that I have read a lot of negative experiences using it out of the uk. I did think about it before the US war of the worlds and seriously looked into it as we travel through Europe a lot, but I’ll wait until a European system hits the market or even Chinese. We had no issues using sims and booster aerial on router.

 

[MisterB]

This June, we're planning to travel extensively around Europe for about five months. Fortunately, we're not restricted by the 90-day Schengen limit. Our main concern is reliable internet access while on the road.


We're considering two options: Starlink or a SIM card setup with a router. We've seen some attractive eSIM data deals, but we're unsure whether there are routers that support eSIMs—or if it might be better to use a spare mobile phone with a data-only SIM and hotspot it to our laptops and TV. Starlink seems reliable but expensive.


Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. We will be traveling to France, Italy, Switzerland, Croatia, Thanks in advance!

Hope you can find enough options hidden within the thread to make a decision, sorry but I won't be commenting any more on the thread or visiting it again, but happy to continue communicating with you privately. Have a safe flight to Geordie land, it's a great place to spend some time (despite the thrashing they gave my football team yesterday lol!)

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[Henry Walpole]

Have to laugh at the Elon Derangement Syndrome on here. Just got a Starlink Mini a month ago, very impressed with the service and the backup and support. So good I've ditched my BT internet at home and just use the Mini. Got an excellent case/mount from Veritas Vans. I've got the unlimited Roam subscription, it will be interesting to see how or whether they enforce the 60 day limit away from home. I suspect as others have found that nothing happens especially as I will be moving through several countries.

 

[Carpmart]

Have to laugh at the Elon Derangement Syndrome on here. Just got a Starlink Mini a month ago, very impressed with the service and the backup and support. So good I've ditched my BT internet at home and just use the Mini. Got an excellent case/mount from Veritas Vans. I've got the unlimited Roam subscription, it will be interesting to see how or whether they enforce the 60 day limit away from home. I suspect as others have found that nothing happens especially as I will be moving through several countries.

I’m very been using Starlink for a few years and there is a large thread documenting mine and others usage and development of the service!

I would be delighted to hear of where there is substantiated proof of people using for in excess of two months, outside of their home country, without service restriction. If they are not enforcing this it would make life much easier for me and others!

 

[MHF]

We have gen 3 starlink fitted to our motorhome and have travelled all over Europe and found it to be brilliant
the biggest problem is we have to have the inverter on to run it as the unit is mains voltage
but the starlink mini does not require mains voltage so should be ideal for you
we pay full amount for unlimited roam use then and go to the £8 a month when just using the vehicle for weekends
problems heavy rain and trees can affect the signal good points ultra fast we use it for tv navigation tel etc and as it works on the move even when crossing borders we have a 4g/5g router but just got fed up with SIM cards not working in some countries.

 

[TobyQuest]

Go Elon! I'm tempted to buy one after seeing several posts criticising him rather than celebrating yet another wonderful product he has brought to the world. People are upset because he's firing fraudulent or redundant goverment workers and saving the government $1trillion. They'd prefer US dollar collapse presumably.

I believe Starlink will continue to improve, cost will come down and features improve. The benefits and costs vs alternatives just depend on how much internet you use. If you're not a heavy user Esims are the best option giving full flexibility without the upfront hardware cost.

 

[ian27]

I also have a Spanish Lobster SIM card 300 GB for £24.99 per 28 days. Brilliant service in English and fair prices. So tht's all I need for EU access. https://www.lobster.es/pay-as-you-go-plans/

that sounds like a really good one , website in english and accepting a foreign card makes it easier than Free.Fr !! just to confirm, the 300GB is valid in any EU country?

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[Guigsy]

I’m assuming that’s your personal opinion and not based on anything factual?

Given his later comments about how he didn't expect them to be used on the front line. And how he later threatened to withdraw the service (long before the Trump 'negotiation'). It's an opinion backed up with evidence.

It also matches a pattern of Musk's behaviour. He's got a good mind for spotting viability of engineering solutions. But he's pretty mediocre on thinking about anything beyond the profits and self promotion he can make.

 

[AladinsaneUK]

Go Elon! I'm tempted to buy one after seeing several posts criticising him rather than celebrating yet another wonderful product he has brought to the world. People are upset because he's firing fraudulent or redundant goverment workers and saving the government $1trillion. They'd prefer US dollar collapse presumably.

I believe Starlink will continue to improve, cost will come down and features improve. The benefits and costs vs alternatives just depend on how much internet you use. If you're not a heavy user Esims are the best option giving full flexibility without the upfront hardware cost.

I don’t give a damn about the product he has bought - he didn’t invent the technology, same as he didn’t invent Tesla

I do give a damn about a man being a fascist.

Now I have been pilloried here and told I should stop buying x or y

But what will those people say when their friends “vanish” in the night?

And will they object when their right to free speech is removed?

Or when - especially in the USA - the right of health care and education is removed ?

Let’s not forget he spoke, publically, at a far right rally

Hands up anyone who has no black, yellow, Jewish, gay etc friends

I would have just as strong views over any one who has the power to shape society in such a proscribed manner

And yes, I suspect that I will get pilloried for saying this, but

I will fight tooth and nail for the rights of any individual to espouse their own views

So long as they don’t hurt others - all have the right to speak

 

[Paul Wilkins]

Given his later comments about how he didn't expect them to be used on the front line. And how he later threatened to withdraw the service (long before the Trump 'negotiation'). It's an opinion backed up with evidence.

It also matches a pattern of Musk's behaviour. He's got a good mind for spotting viability of engineering solutions. But he's pretty mediocre on thinking about anything beyond the profits and self promotion he can make.

So he didn't actually say it and it's your opinion. Fair enough.

 

[LesW]

I don’t give a damn about the product he has bought - he didn’t invent the technology, same as he didn’t invent Tesla

I do give a damn about a man being a fascist.

Now I have been pilloried here and told I should stop buying x or y

But what will those people say when their friends “vanish” in the night?

And will they object when their right to free speech is removed?

Or when - especially in the USA - the right of health care and education is removed ?

Let’s not forget he spoke, publically, at a far right rally

Hands up anyone who has no black, yellow, Jewish, gay etc friends

I would have just as strong views over any one who has the power to shape society in such a proscribed manner

And yes, I suspect that I will get pilloried for saying this, but

I will fight tooth and nail for the rights of any individual to espouse their own views

So long as they don’t hurt others - all have the right to speak

This thread is about how good/bad Starlink is, not about your political views, why not start a thread about how you don't like Musk/whoever... instead of spoiling what should be a useful source of info.

 

[Jim]

Go Elon! I'm tempted to buy one after seeing several posts criticising him rather than celebrating yet another wonderful product he has brought to the world. People are upset because he's firing fraudulent or redundant goverment workers and saving the government $1trillion. They'd prefer US dollar collapse presumably.

I believe Starlink will continue to improve, cost will come down and features improve. The benefits and costs vs alternatives just depend on how much internet you use. If you're not a heavy user Esims are the best option giving full flexibility without the upfront hardware cost.

I don’t give a damn about the product he has bought - he didn’t invent the technology, same as he didn’t invent Tesla

I do give a damn about a man being a fascist.

Now I have been pilloried here and told I should stop buying x or y

But what will those people say when their friends “vanish” in the night?

And will they object when their right to free speech is removed?

Or when - especially in the USA - the right of health care and education is removed ?

Let’s not forget he spoke, publically, at a far right rally

Hands up anyone who has no black, yellow, Jewish, gay etc friends

I would have just as strong views over any one who has the power to shape society in such a proscribed manner

And yes, I suspect that I will get pilloried for saying this, but

I will fight tooth and nail for the rights of any individual to espouse their own views

So long as they don’t hurt others - all have the right to speak

Which bit of keep your politics out of this thread were you struggling with?

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[Randomstop]

that sounds like a really good one , website in english and accepting a foreign card makes it easier than Free.Fr !! just to confirm, the 300GB is valid in any EU country?

Absolutely not, 300Gb in Spain, about 30Gb while roaming in EU, if I remember correctly. It is all on their website!

 

[fishplug]

I agree with you entirely, but where we live in the countryside it is literally starlink or nothing.

Depending on how many other houses there are in the area and whether there is sufficient interest to share the cost, the Government has a voucher scheme that can help significantly to the cost of installing fibre.

• Starlink v LTE router?

The Starlink technology is excellent but it does need a lot of power compared to a MiFi/LTE solution. If you want the best possible reception with it then you need to faff about putting the antenna up, taking the antenna down... However many people got adequate speeds with a permanent fixed roof mount and since the introduction of the Mini it takes up less space and some people are mounting them in windscreens etc. The cost of subscription is high.

LTE / MiFi has the advantage of network independence and while the hardware costs are typically similar to Starlink the monthly costs are significantly less. If I was buying one today, I would get one that supports ESIM so you don't have to find the shop that sells the local SIM card that's only open on Tuesdays and... The trade off is that there will be more places where reception is poor or non-existent.

The 'simple' option? Tether to your phone Neither Starlink nor LTE / MiFi solutions are 'simple' and both require some understanding and knowledge (or some good impartial guidance) to have the optimal result for your individual needs. Both have pros and cons and you need to have the right expectation of whatever solution you choose.

• The 'political' aspect

Whether you like or loathe Musk it does appear that he's 'done a Ratner' and until the dust settles I would personally be hesitant to commit to a proprietary system with an uncertain future. I'm generally speaking quite hesitant to put all my eggs in one basket when it comes to technology anyway.

Back in the day when you bought software and installed it on your computer it didn't matter so much if the company went bust and stopped trading. You still had your data and you could still use it and eventually export or migrate it when you were ready. Today, however, with all of it in the cloud the risk is that you get cut off from your data and software and this can happen overnight and without warning.

I doubt Starlink would stop completely as there's too much money buried in it, but it could be bought by anyone and they could choose to do anything with it. Or maybe Musk will survive his moment in the spotlight and will keep it. We just don't know.

• What have I got?
I went with a Teltonika LTE router and a Poynting antenna. £16/month Three Unlimited SIM. It cost a lot more than Starlink in terms of hardware, but because I often just go away for a weekend the monthly subscription costs me less than 'unpausing' Starlink would. It also means it's 'fit and forget' so I can just hop in the van and hey presto, there's Internet without me having to do anything.

 

[MisterB]

Poynting antenna. £16/month Three Unlimited SIM. It cost a lot more than Starlink in terms of hardware, but because I often just go away for a weekend the monthly subscription costs me less than 'unpausing' Starlink would.

I also use a UK SIM card in the UK with a Netgear M2 that cost more than my starlinks but the OP was looking for a solution whilst out of the UK ..

 

[fishplug]

I thought I'd covered that by saying that LTE routers are network independent and local SIM cards can be purchased, with ESIM being much easier and more convenient (and usually cheaper).

For short stays I use my Three SIM as it's only £5 a day for a data passport which gives you unlimited data roaming in Europe.

For longer stays or trips to countries not included then a local SIM can be easily obtained. An ESIM would be better IMO but my router doesn't support them so for now I'll do without. When I upgrade it I'll definitely go for an ESIM router.

Starlink would have the advantage of not needing you to source a local SIM.

Both MiFi/LTE and Starlink can be made to work abroad, it's just understanding how that works for each sytem and what the costs are and what the connectivity availability and speed expectations are. Having an idea of your data usage is also helpful when calculating which option is right for you.

 

[AntonyA]

that sounds like a really good one , website in english and accepting a foreign card makes it easier than Free.Fr !! just to confirm, the 300GB is valid in any EU country?

I think fair usage policy come in and after 2 months from what I have been told by them, the service terminates until you are back in Spain.

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[gus-lopez]

I think fair usage policy come in and after 2 months from what I have been told by them, the service terminates until you are back in Spain.

Whereas the unlimited Digi @15€/month gives you 30Gb in any other country including the UK & phone calls to landline & mobile numbers the same as in spain ,foc, & works for ever. I've used it in the UK for around 6 months back in 2019