Starlink Roam
Satellite internet for remote locations. Work from beaches, mountains, or off-grid cabins with speeds up to 200Mbps.
What is Starlink Roam?
Starlink Roam is a satellite internet service from SpaceX designed for travelers and people in areas without traditional internet infrastructure. Unlike cell-based hotspots that require tower coverage, Starlink connects directly to a constellation of low-earth orbit satellites, providing internet access almost anywhere with a clear view of the sky.
For digital nomads in rural areas, van lifers, or anyone working from off-grid locations, Starlink solves the biggest problem: getting online when there are no cell towers or WiFi networks in range.
How Starlink Roam Works
You purchase a Starlink kit that includes:
- A flat, pizza-box-sized satellite dish (called "Dishy")
- WiFi router
- Power cables and mount
Setup is simple: place the dish where it has a clear view of the sky, plug it in, connect to the WiFi, and you are online. The dish automatically adjusts to find satellites. No professional installation required.
The dish communicates with SpaceX satellites in low earth orbit (about 550km up), which relay your data to ground stations connected to the internet backbone. The low orbit means latency is much better than old satellite internet (25-50ms vs 600ms+).
Who Starlink Roam is For
Van Life and Overlanders
If you live or travel in a vehicle, Starlink is transformative. Park anywhere with sky view and work as if you had fiber internet. Many van lifers consider it essential gear now.
Rural and Remote Stays
Staying at a cabin, farm, or countryside Airbnb with no internet? Starlink gets you connected. Great for slow travelers who base in remote areas for weeks or months.
Boat and RV Life
Starlink offers maritime and RV-specific plans. Work from a sailboat in the Caribbean or an RV parked in national forest land.
Backup Internet
Even if you usually have WiFi, Starlink serves as reliable backup when accommodations have poor internet or outages occur.
Who Starlink Roam is NOT For
City Hoppers
If you move between cities with good infrastructure every few days, Starlink is overkill. eSIMs and local WiFi are cheaper and easier.
Backpackers
The kit is too heavy and power-hungry for ultralight travel. You need consistent power (vehicle, generator, or large battery) to run it.
Budget Travelers
At $165-200/month plus $599 upfront, Starlink is a significant expense. If cost is a concern and you can access cell networks, eSIMs are far cheaper.
Starlink Roam Plans
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Roam Regional | $165 | One continent |
| Roam Global | $200 | Worldwide |
| Mini Regional | $150 | Compact dish option |
All plans can be paused month-to-month. No long-term contracts.
Hardware cost is $599 for the standard kit. A smaller, lighter Mini kit is available in some regions for $599 as well.
Real-World Performance
Typical speeds:
- Download: 50-200 Mbps (varies by location and congestion)
- Upload: 10-25 Mbps
- Latency: 25-50ms
This handles:
- Video calls (Zoom, Google Meet, Teams)
- Streaming HD video
- Large file uploads and downloads
- General browsing and work
It may struggle with:
- Competitive online gaming (latency spikes)
- Live streaming (requires consistent upload)
- Peak congestion times in popular areas
Setup Tips for Nomads
Scout for sky view. Use the Starlink app to check for obstructions before setting up. Trees, buildings, and terrain can block signal.
Carry a tripod or mount. The dish needs to be elevated and stable. Many users attach it to roof racks or use camera tripods.
Plan for power. Starlink draws 75-100W continuously. Van lifers typically run it from solar and battery setups, or only during vehicle operation.
Check availability maps. Service is not available everywhere. Verify coverage before relying on Starlink in a new country.
Use the mobile app. The Starlink app shows connection quality, speeds, and helps with setup positioning.
Starlink vs. Mobile Hotspots
| Factor | Starlink Roam | Mobile Hotspot/eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 50-200 Mbps | 20-100 Mbps |
| Works Off-Grid | Yes | No (needs cell towers) |
| Setup Time | 15 minutes | Instant |
| Monthly Cost | $165-200 | $10-50 |
| Portability | Heavy, needs power | Phone-sized |
| Best For | Remote locations | Urban and suburban |
Use Starlink when you need internet where there is no cell coverage. Use eSIMs when you are in areas with mobile networks.
The Bottom Line
Starlink Roam is a game-changer for digital nomads who work from genuinely remote locations. Van lifers, rural slow travelers, and off-grid enthusiasts finally have reliable, fast internet without depending on cell towers or sketchy WiFi.
The cost is significant, both upfront ($599) and monthly ($165-200). For city hoppers or budget travelers, it makes little sense. But if your lifestyle takes you off the beaten path, Starlink can be the difference between being able to work remotely and not.
If you are considering van life or extended stays in rural areas, Starlink is worth the investment.
Pros
- Internet anywhere with clear sky view
- Fast enough for video calls and streaming
- No contracts, pause when not needed
- Great for van life, rural, and off-grid living
- Setup takes about 15 minutes
Cons
- $599 upfront hardware cost
- Monthly cost is high ($165-200)
- Needs clear view of sky, struggles under dense trees
- Hardware is bulky for backpack travelers
- Not available everywhere yet
Category
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Starlink good enough for remote work?
Can I use Starlink while traveling between countries?
How portable is Starlink Roam?
Does Starlink work in bad weather?
Pricing
$599 hardware + $165/month (Regional) or $200/month (Global)
Key Features
- Satellite-based, no cell towers needed
- Speeds of 50-200 Mbps typical
- Works in remote and rural locations
- Portable setup, no fixed installation
- Pause service month-to-month
- Regional or Global roaming options
Available Regions
Available in 60+ countries, expanding
