About Starlink Roam Reviews, Having used Starlink Internet for almost two years, I can confidently say it’s one of the best Satellite ISPs.
It’s fast enough for most online tasks, reliable, and with no contract to sign or data cap to limit your usage.
Amazingly, the service has several internet plans such as Starlink business, residential, and RV to suit different needs.
Here, we will talk about Starlink roam reviews and its features to help you know if it matches your internet requirements.
What Is Starlink Roam?
As the name suggests, Starlink Roam is an internet plan that allows you to use the internet while roaming with your caravan.
The service was formally known as Starlink RV, designed for nomads and RVers in the US only.
But today, the internet plan has a global reach, with two packages, Global and Regional, which we shall discuss later.
Interestingly, Starlink Roam uses the same standard kit as the residential plan, which includes a router, dish, stand, and ethernet cable.
However, it also comes with a carrying case and the option to upgrade to a FLat high-performance dish for in-motion usage.
Apart from using it anywhere, another attractive quality about the roaming plan is no waitlist when ordering.
Additionally, unlike other plans, the Starlink roam allows you to pause and restart the service when required, without any cost.
However, note that you may have to pay more monthly for this service, while its performance may be deprioritized during congestion.
Using the Internet on RV
Types of Starlink Roam
As promised, let’s talk about the two types of Starlink roam service. But before that, you should know that the roam Starlink is for land usage online.
If you need to roam on the sea and other water bodies, buy the Starlink Maritime.
Regional Roaming
Starlink regional roaming is a portable internet plan allowing you to use the service in one region.
With the plan, you can only use the internet anywhere within your shipping country.
Global Roaming
On the other hand, you can use the global roaming Starlink anywhere in the world. However, you must pay $50 more than you would on the regional roam.
Additionally, with global roaming, you do not have the option to purchase the flat high-performance dish for in-motion use.
Features of Starlink Roam
In this section, we will discuss the performance and other aspects of the roaming service to determine if it suits you.
Hardware Dimension
As we said earlier, when ordering Starlink roam, you will get a router, dish, stand, and some cables. Let’s discuss their usage and dimensions:
Starlink Dish
The dish is the device that acts as the antennae and facilitates communication between your router and satellite in space.
It measures 20.1 in. length x 11.9 in. width x 3.5 in. height. It weighs only 6.4 lbs, which is lighter than other satellite dishes.
Starlink dish
Router
The Starlink router receives signals from the dish via an ethernet cable and distributes them as WiFi signals in your home.
Additionally, it also powers the dish via the provided PoE ethernet cable. The router measures 7 in. length x 3 in. width x 10 in. height.
Starlink Stand
The stand holds and elevates the dish, ensuring it repositions while searching for satellite signals. Its measurements are 22 in. length X 13 in. width x 4.5 in. height.
Cables
AC cord powers the router and, by extension, the dish and measures 6 ft.
The Starlink dish ethernet cable facilitates communication between the dish and the router while powering the dish. It measures 50 ft. in length.
Availability
When the Starlink Roam plan started, it was offering its services only in selected cities in the US.
However, the service is now available in Mexico, Canada, and some parts of Africa, Asia, and Europe.
As we speak, SpaceX continues to launch more satellites as they seek global coverage in the long run.
I recommend checking the Starlink availability map to know if the Starlink roam is available in your location.
Alternatively, you can enter your address on the Starlink website search bar, and you will get your location availability information.
Speed
Starlink advertises download speeds of between 5-50 Mbps and 2-10 Mbps upload for their Starlink roam plan.
This speed can perform most online tasks, such as sending emails and general browsing.
The ISP also claims roaming latency of 99 ms, sufficient for light gaming and some VoIP service.
As you can see, this performance is higher than most satellite internet companies such as Viasat, thanks to the sophisticated technology.
Having used this service, I can confirm that the speed is within the range, while latency can go as low as 20 ms.
However, this performance may depend on the weather and network congestion.
Being a low-priority internet, you can expect the roaming service to experience speed throttling during bandwidth congestion.
But the good news is that it does not have data caps or contracts like other Starlnk internet plans.
Internet speed concept
Power Consumption
According to the Starlink website, the average consumption for the standard dish is 50-75W, while Flat high-performance’s is 110-150W.
However, according to my research, and having used the Standard dish, the power consumption is about 80W when searching.
Once it establishes a satellite connection, it experiences a steady average consumption of about 47W.
Therefore, you must be careful when using this equipment off-grid, lest you drain your battery power.
Additionally, note that the equipment can only use AC power, and no official option for DC.
If you have to use DC, you can do some modifications, such as buying a third-party DC adaptor.
Installation and Setup
The installation of the Starlink roam is simple, self, and does not require a technician. It comes with a detailed illustration manual that shows a complete installation process.
Additionally, it includes a stand that offers the necessary elevation for temporary dish mounting.
All you need to do is open the Starlink app and scan the location you minted to set up the dish.
Ensure it has no obstructions, such as trees and buildings, that may prevent satellite-dish communication.
Once you are done, mount your dish and hook the ethernet cable. Route the cable to the router and safely hook the router’s end, too.
From there, you just need to power your setup and wait for it to establish a satellite connection.
Finally, log into the app to configure your network and connect your device via WiFI.
For a more permanent or specialized installation, you will need to purchase your preferred mounting accessories.
Connecting a router
Cost
Like the Starlink residential, the dish cost for the Starlink roam plan is $599, a one-time fee. However, you can purchase the Flat high-performance at $2,500 dish.
This new dish has better characteristics, such as the ability to be used in motion and better connectivity and performance.
Returning to the cost, for regional roam, you will pay $150 per month, while the global roam costs $200. You also have the new option to buy priority data, although I have not tried it yet.
Can I switch Between Global and Region Roam?
The good news about the Starlink Roam is the ability to switch between regional and global services.
This arrangement helps those who want to travel with their Starlink abroad and switch it back when they return.
To do this, log into the Starlink website and locate your plan (Roam).
Click Manage next to it and then select Change Service Plan. Now, choose the service you want to change to, and you are done.
Restrictions With Starlink Roam
While Starlink Roam is a good service, it has a two-month address restriction.
The regulation requires you to change your address within two months if you relocate to a new country.
This regulation is mainly to ensure tax compliance with the current country of your residence.
For example, assume you ordered the Starlink Roam while in the US. If you relocated to Canada, and have stayed there for over two months, you must change address.
Who Is Starlink Roam Suitable For?
Typically, Starlink roam is for RVers, campers, travelers, and other nomads. Additionally, it can be an asset for small travel businesses that move from place to place.
Conclusion
Having researched and experienced the Starlink Roam firsthand, I can confidently say it’s an amazing service, although there is room for improvement.
The good news is that you can also change it to residential in case you are tired of roaming.