Based on the 2.5% reply rate I received on a recent Instagram Story about STARLINK I figured it was worth writing up our Starlink experience in Baja as of December 2022.
For folks wondering “What is Starlink?” It’s a way to get high-speed internet anywhere coverage is provided which turns out to be a lot of places. For this post I’m refering to “Starlink for RVs” which is described as:
Immediately access unlimited high-speed, low-latency internet on an as-needed basis at any destination where Starlink provides active coverage. $135/mo with a one-time cost of $599 for portable hardware or $2,500 for in-motion hardware.
How well does it work in Baja?
Really well! I’m using it right now to write this blog post…but thats not all! It can handle phone calls, video calls, music streaming, video streaming, etc. I never experienced drops or latency.
Can other people use it?
Simply stated: Yes, it’s like the internet in your home, just join the wifi network. It works around camp and in campers. Anyone you share the password with can join the network. When you turn it off there is no more network to join.
We’ve had 4 people w/multiple devices using it, 1 person is working full-time remotely and it’s been good for everyone. (Full disclosure it’s not mine. Our full-time working friend owns it and lets us utilize the service. In addition to this RV Starlink I’ve also installed home based Starlink networks at my parents and siblings houses)
How much power does it use?
Starlink itself uses ~60 watts/hr. However, remember you’ll be using power for other camping needs, think about your computer, fridge, etc while planning out your power needs. Also remember you will not always have ideal solar power conditions.
Does it work everywhere?
It’s worked everywhere we’ve traveled which has mostly been along the Sea of Cortez as far South as Loreto. We’ve covered the RV style parks along Bahía Concepción, city life in Loreto and remote stuff North of Bahía de los Ángeles. Keep in mind “obstructions” to the North can impact quality of services. Given the desert environments we’ve traveled that has never been a problem.
How do YOU feel about it?
From a technology standpoint I’m in awe. It feels like as humans we have now developed the technology to bring access to unlimited high-speed, low-latency internet anywhere in the world. We’ve connected every remote place in the world to the internet.
From an adventurer and nature lover standpoint I feel a loss. There use to be places to go where you as well as anyone else that entered was forced to go without… to have no one you can call on but yourself, to have nothing to fill your time with but nature. The sense of being out in nature was exhilarating and rejuvenating.
Where do we go from here?
Face it, advances like this in technology have big impacts on society which we’ll see play out over many years as adoption grows. Love it or hate it, it’s still going to happen.
I’d say looking back historically it’s a lot like the “cellular phone” in many ways:
- No longer tied to your house, you could talk on the phone practically anywhere.
- It was very annoying being around people talking on their cell phones everywhere.
- It was incredibly helpful to call for help in an emergency or during time of need.
- It was very sweet to call someone and tell them you loved them regardless of your location.
- Some people became more attached to their phones than others.
As a response to this new cellular technology society crafted laws, policies and even more technology to minimize risk and maximize experience.
On the risk side: it’s illegal to drive holding a cell phone to your mouth but you can do it “hands free”. (a new technology to solve the problem) Some companies made it illegal to bring your device in the work areas due to intellectual property risks. (mostly due to camera on the modern mobile phone)
On the experience side: Some restaurants, waiting rooms and other places ban the use of talking on your phone to preserve the dining/waiting experience.
As for STARLINK I would not be surprised to see some places issue policies in regards to the it’s use from an experience angle. It’s hard for me to see a risk angle at this point however I do believe there are some risks.
In the end it’s mostly down to the end user, now that you CAN do something WILL you?
Feel free to follow our off-road truck and camping adventures over on Instagram.
