Starlink FAQ
See the Starlink FAQ below. Contact Concord to help get your yacht up to speed with Starlink satellite internet.
Latest Starlink Info
See Updated Text at the Bottom of this Page
What is the purpose of this Starlink FAQ?
This FAQ is written to assist potential Starlink Yachting clients, with the details that are not readily available from Starlink. Marine Data Solutions is your mobile internet provider for our Yachting clients, MDS want you to have the details that will help you make the best purchasing and upgrading decisions. Starlink is a great system but it does have limitations that you should be aware of, before making your decisions.Click here to request a price list.
Does Starlink have Data Caps or Internet Data Limits?
- Yes, Starlink has now introduced new Data Caps and Overages charges.
- Maritime version is now capped at 5TB of Priority Internet Data per month, with $2 per GB overage
- RV version is NEVER Priority internet access, always “Best Effort” service prioritized after all Residential, Business, and Maritime units that are located in your geographic area. Seems to be capped at 1TB per month of “standard data” (best effort service)
- Starlink Fair Use policy here: https://www.starlink.com/legal/documents/DOC-1134-82708-70
How do I use Starlink while at Sea?
- “Ocean Data": Allows customers to access Starlink Services while at sea. This ADD ON feature will have an additional cost.
How do I use my Starlink on a different continent than my billing address?
- “Transcontinental Data”: Allows a user to access Starlink Services outside the continent of their Service address.
What are the listed performance specifications for Starlink Systems?
- Maritime system performance: Latency less than 99ms, Expected Download 60-250Mbps, Expected Upload 10-30Mbps
- RV System (always “best effort”): Latency less than 99ms, Expected Download 5-50Mbps, Expected Upload 2-10Mbps
- Per Starlink web site: Stated speeds and uninterrupted use of Services are not guaranteed. Users may experience higher latencies in regions that are far from Starlink ground stations, or during periods of high load on their user terminal. Actual speeds will likely be lower than the maximum speeds during times of high usage. Starlink may temporarily reduce speeds if our network is congested.
- More info on Starlink web site: https://www.starlink.com/legal/documents/DOC-1002-69942-69
How can we reduce the Starlink Maritime Internet service interruptions?
- New Hardware is being released that will Blend 5G and Starlink service to reduce the Starlink Internet service “drop outs”. The new hardware will “Bond” 5G and Starlink together, to make an even faster connection. When Starlink Internet service is interrupted, for whatever reason (Rain? Blockage? Vessel motion?), the new hardware will instantly switch to the vessel 5G connection, so that the onboard user has an uninterrupted internet session. See our new Concord Marine Electronics Blender Page for this new release!
- Starlink has recently released a new “High Performance” antenna, with a much wider viewing angle, that is supposed to help with the intermittent service interruptions.
Starlink Maritime, Verizon 5G & AT&T Blender
What are the latest changes and kinks we have seen with Starlink systems?
- There are significant interruptions in Starlink service when its raining, as in no service at all, until the rain stops.
- It has been reported that, after the latest software update, the RV system will no longer work with vessel in motion.
- In our everyday use of the Starlink system in Fort Lauderdale, it has been observed that the system stops working, several times per hour, even with no rain. Using the system with our cloud based desktops, we lose the internet connection to the desktop and must log in again, when the service becomes available again, usually in a few minutes.
- With the new details above, it is our opinion that Starlink makes a great addition to your existing 4/5g or Vsat systems, but Starlink is not YET ready to replace those reliable and proven systems. Click here to request a price list.
What is Starlink?
- Starlink is a new satellite internet service provider.
- Starlink’s stated objective is to provide high speed, low latency, internet to remote areas of the world.
- When completed, the Starlink system is projected to have about 30,000 satellites circling the earth, in Low Earth Orbit. As of this writing, there are less than 3000 Starlink satellites in orbit. Click here to request a price list.
How does Starlink work?
- The constellation of Low Earth Orbit Starlink satellites communicate directly with your Starlink user terminal, and relay your internet needs to the closest Starlink ground station.
- Maximum range from Starlink terminal to Starlink ground station is about 400 miles.
- Next generation Starlink satellites will communicate with each other by Laser, to extend coverage distances more than 400 miles from the Starlink ground stations. This will enable truly global coverage, including full coverage of oceans. Click here to request a price list.
What do I need to know before deciding to purchasing a Starlink Maritime system for my Motoryacht?
- Starlink Maritime version is approved for use in motion, and approved for international use, the other versions of Starlink are NOT approved in motion, and not approved for extended international use.
- Starlink does not have phone tech support.
- Starlink tech support is email only.
- Starlink does not cover any onboard labor for warranty issues.
- There are no Starlink certified dealers or repair centers.
- Starlink is NOT currently enforcing many of their listed Terms of Service. The enforcement of these rules could start at any time, with no notice. The key rules NOT being enforced, at this time, are:
- Starlink terminals are not supposed to function with vessel in motion. (except Maritime version)
- Starlink is currently allowing some user terminals to function in areas that are not officially approved for Starlink service. Starlink Terms of Service require that you do not use the RV version in an area that is not approved for Starlink service. (i.e. RV versions working in Bahamas for example)
- Starlink RV units are NOT supposed to function when NOT on same continent as Starlink account billing address. (RV system with USA billing address should not work in Bahamas or Caribbean)
- Starlink terminals are allowed a maximum of 60 days use when outside of “home” country, as decided by account billing address.
- Starlink terminals (except Maritime version) are allowed a maximum of 60 days use when outside of “home” country, as decided by account billing address.
Starlink Internet
- Best Effort Service for RV Users. Network resources are always deprioritized for Starlink RVs users compared to other Starlink Services, resulting in degraded service and slower speeds in congested areas and during peak hours. Stated speeds and uninterrupted use of the Service are not guaranteed. Service degradation will occur most often in “Waitlist” areas designated on the Starlink Availability Map during peak usage hours. See the Starlink Specifications for expected performance of the Starlink for RV Services. -You acknowledge and agree that you are solely responsible for (a) understanding and complying with all applicable laws and regulations associated with your use of Starlink for RV Services and the Kit; and (b) stopping use of the Starlink for RV Services or Kit if you are in an unsupported geographic location. You can view Starlink active coverage on the Starlink Availability Map.
- IN-MOTION USE PROHIBITED. (Maritime version is approved for use in motion) SERVICES IN-MOTION ON A VEHICLE OR VESSEL (e.g., CARS, VANS, RVs, BOATS) IS PROHIBITED, WILL VOID THE LIMITED WARRANTY OF YOUR KIT, AND MAY BE GROUNDS FOR TERMINATION OF YOUR AGREEMENT WITH STARLINK PER SECTION 12 OF THESE TERMS. AT THIS TIME, STARLINK IS NOT CONFIGURED TO BE SAFELY USED IN-MOTION OR INSTALLED ON A VEHICLE OR VESSEL. -ASSUMPTION OF RISK. YOU AGREE THAT YOUR USE OF THE SERVICES AND THE STARLINK KIT, AND SUCH USE BY ANYONE USING YOUR ACCOUNT, IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK. SERVICES ARE NOT SUITED OR INTENDED AS A MISSION-CRITICAL OR SAFETY-OF-LIFE SERVICE.
- Starlink, as with all internet providers, will eventually reach a saturation point where a geographic area reaches a maximum number of users that the satellites can handle. Once this saturation is achieved, service speeds for that geographic area will decrease, and systems like the Starlink RV on a “best effort” plan, will see reduced speeds first. Other satellite operators are able to move capacity as needed, to busy geographic areas, by adjusting the satellite spotbeams. Unfortunately, with Starlink, the only way to increase capacity in a busy geographic area, is by adding more satellites to the system. This type of system upgrade could take months, or even years, and be extremely expensive. Click here to request a price list.
Where can I purchase a Starlink Maritime system?
- Starlink is a Direct to Consumer Brand.
- Starlink systems can only be purchased on the Starlink web site.
- Starlink systems are designed to be a “Do it Yourself” installation, therefore, there are no “certified dealers or certified/recommended installers” and NO onsite/onboard warranty support.
- Purchase Starlink equipment here: https://www.starlink.com/
Click here to request a price list.
Who can install a Starlink Maritime system for us?
- Concord techs have already installed many systems, and we keep an inventory of the required installation parts.
- Please Contact Concord today to schedule your Starlink installation.
Click here to request a price list.
What Starlink system are available for purchase?
- There are currently 4 Starlink systems.
- Maritime... Equipment $10,000, service $5,000 per month, Speeds to 60-250Mbps (Recommended for Yachting)
- Designed for mobile users on Yachts/Ships
- Always “best effort” service, with the “fixed site” user terminals listed below taking top priority in any geographic area.
- Starlink Maritime system has 2 external antennas and 2 modems that need to be connected together for full speed operation. Requires additional equipment not provided. (Does not come with required additional parts, or instructions for set up
Click here to request a price list. - Residential… Equipment $600, service $135 per month, speeds to 5-50Mbps (Not recommended for Yachting, recent software update reportedly causes system to stop working with vessel in motion)
- Designed for fixed site home use in remote areas
- Not approved for use in motion
- Can add “portability” for use in multiple fixed locations (i.e.: home and vacation home)
- Top Priority service when in use at fixed home address
- Business… Equipment $2500, service $500 per month, speeds to 40-220Mbps (Not recommended for Yachting)
- Designed for fixed site business use in remote areas
- Not approved for use in motion
- Top Priority service and Priority tech support
- RV Standard... equipment $600, service $135 per month, speeds to 5-50Mbps (Not recommended for Yachting, recent software update reportedly causes system to stop working with vessel in motion)
- Starlink RV is a nomadic land service that according to Starlink’s website and terms of service can only be used within your country of registration.
- Standard Starlink RV ($600) is Not approved for use in motion.
- RV High Performance antenna... equipment $2500, service is same cost, $135 per month for “best effort” service, 5-50Mbps
- Designed and approved for mobile users on Recreational Vehicles
- Always “best effort” service, with the “fixed site” user terminals listed above taking top priority in any geographic area.
Starlink Internet Satellites System
Where does Starlink high speed internet service work?
- Starlink coverage changes constantly, as new satellites are launched.
- Starlink coverage maps are available here: https://www.starlink.com/
- As of this writing, Starlink has been reported to work in USA, Bahamas, most of the Caribbean, and most of the Mediterranean. Service is reportedly working in those areas even though the Starlink coverage maps show some areas as not yet available.
- Starlink must meet the regulatory requirements of each country where the service is broadcast, many countries are still in the “legal approval” phase, so even though the service is physically working, the coverage map shows “coming soon” due to pending regulatory approvals.
- Starlink knows exactly where each user terminal is geographically located, and can easily shut off the Starlink terminal if the Starlink terminal is being used in conflict with the Starlink terms of service. Click here to request a price list.
How do I contact Starlink for tech support?
- Starlink is a new satellite internet service provider.
- Unfortunately, as a low cost “Do It Yourself” System, there is no tech support by phone. All tech support is email only, on Starlink web site, or the Starlink app. Click here to request a price list.
How can I get warranty support for my Starlink?
- After communication with Starlink tech support by email, Starlink will ship refurbished parts as needed, as they are available, for “Do it Yourself” repairs and replacements.
- Starlink parts are shipped to the account billing address.
- There is no “onboard/onsite” labor coverage by Starlink for warranty issues. Click here to request a price list.
Does the Starlink antenna move while in use?
- Yes, the Starlink antenna does move, to point the antenna in the general direction of the satellites. This movement allows the Starlink satellite to use less power to communicate with your Starlink user terminal. Click here to request a price list.
What will negatively affect the quality of Starlink internet service?
- If the Starlink antenna is on the same horizontal plane as vessel radar beam, Starlink system will NOT work when radar is transmitting.
- Starlink satellites are always moving at high speed across the sky, any obstructions (Mast, Boom, Radar, Tuna Tower, Tall Buildings, Mountains, etc.) will negatively affect Starlink system performance. Usually the blockage will cause intermittent internet loss, or significant internet speed loss. Click here to request a price list.
How can I connect the 2 Starlink Maritime antennas together to make a single network?
- Concord Marine Electronics Blender can easily connect up to 4 different internet sources, and bond them all together for greater speeds on a single network output.
Links:
Starlink News
4G/5G Yacht Internet
Viasat Satellite Interent
Marine Data Solutions Provider
Tech Talk video dialog with Captain Douglas Meier from “The Bottom Line – Yacht Industry News” and Michael Robilio from Marine Data Solutions.
Filmed December 2022, some details have been updated in this text version.Captain Douglas Meier:
This week on Tech Talk, we’re going to be talking about Starlink, what it can do, what it can’t do and where it’s going. We’re going to utilize Mike Robilio’s knowledge. He’s from Marine Data Solutions, and he’s going to give us an update on what’s going on with Starlink. Hi Mike, so Starlink constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, they’re all spinning simultaneously. They All look like Teslas.Michael Robilio from Marine Data Solutions:
Right, exactly…. Laughing……The Starlink satellites send Internet to a terminal that’s on your boat. There are two terminals that will work on the boat. Once called an RV, the other one is called Maritime.Captain Douglas Meier:
How much is the RV one?Michael Robilio from Marine Data Solutions:
RV is $600.00 for the hardware, and $135 a month for the airtime. Do you want me to explain to the differences right now? Yes. OK, so the RV system has been moved to “best effort” service, which means it does not have any priority service. So when you’re with your RV unit, whether you’re on land or whether you’re somewhere on the water in the Bahamas all the other dishes around you have priority over you. (Residential, business, and Maritime systems)Captain Douglas Meier:
I heard that a lot of guys were on the RV and a cruise ship pulled into the port like a vacuum and sucked all the Internet out and they were kind of like left with no service.Michael Robilio from Marine Data Solutions:
That’s exactly what happened. The cruise ships have the Maritime version, which has priority service.Captain Douglas Meier:
Can yachts get the Maritime versions?Michael Robilio from Marine Data Solutions:
Yes, they can. It’s $5,000 for the hardware and $5,000 a month for the airtime, which in the big picture is actually affordable as compared to the cost of traditional marine Vsat.Captain Douglas Meier:
Now, Marine Data Solutions, your company, you guys put this out. (holds up MDS 242 5G unit) This is a cellular based yes system, yes, this is good for about 20 miles offshore.Michael Robilio from Marine Data Solutions:
Yes, with the correct antennas, yes, 20 mile range.Captain Douglas Meier:
OK. So if you had this and then you want to go really offshore and you get Starlink, you have those two options, yes. And is the internet service the same? Is Starlink unlimited data like your sim cards?Michael Robilio from Marine Data Solutions:
The Maritime Starlink version is capped at 5 terabytes a month for $5000. When you go over that 5 terabytes, you have to pay $2.00 per GB.Captain Douglas Meier:
Per Gig? My son uses 5 Terabytes on Xbox every week !!Michael Robilio from Marine Data Solutions:
Yeah, understandable. The RV version is capped at 1 terabyte, but because you’re not priority service, the speed for RV system is limited to a maximum of 50 megs down. So they’re saying the speed on the Starlink Maritime is between 50 and 260 megs, and on the Starlink RV it’s between 5 and 50 megs is what you can expect for speeds.Captain Douglas Meier:
There’s talk online about Starlink RV geofencing offshore, and there’s talk online about if you have the RV version and you’re moving, it shuts down. Is there any truth to that?Michael Robilio from Marine Data Solutions:
Yes. What I hear is that when you’re over 10 knots, the Starlink RV does stop working, but it doesn’t do that everywhere. We hear reports that off of Baja, Mexico, it’s working great at 20 knots, and then there’s people in the Bahamas and it stops working at 10 knots. So some are having Starlink RV shutting down underway, and others are not having that issue. We can’t tell if it’s geographically a problem or if it’s just that the Starlink equipment got a different software update, we can’t tell yet. It’s so new, but there are definitely people with Starlink RV having problems receiving internet with vessel in motion.Captain Douglas Meier:
For sure. OK. And where do you see Starlink and yachts going, say in the next 12 months? Where do you see everybody? Where are we going to end up? Because it’s like nobody knows, right?Michael Robilio from Marine Data Solutions:
It’s all it’s the Wild, Wild, West right now with Starlink. They’re changing the rules as they go every day. But my expectation is going to be that the RV units will become less and less usable because they are not a priority system. And the more boats, ships and cruise ships that are out there with the maritime version, they will consume the high priority bandwidth. They’re gonna take the bandwidth that’s available in that location, and it’s not just a maritime version. So if you have a home or a business version in the Bahamas, those people with a home and a business version get their priority service and the RV gets whatever’s left over. So the RV is going to become less and less of a solid option. But there are other things coming that will help.Captain Douglas Meier:
OK last question, where’s the coverage for this system? You have this wonderful map. (Points at TV screen) This is yours? This is your network? Yes, this is really cool.Michael Robilio from Marine Data Solutions:
Yeah, this is our system.Captain Douglas Meier:
OK, but we’re talking Starlink. Where is Starlink available?Michael Robilio from Marine Data Solutions:
On the Starlink website, they’ve got a coverage map and it changes constantly as they launch more satellites.Captain Douglas Meier:
In Europe?Michael Robilio from Marine Data Solutions:
Yes, yes, the Med is completely covered. Some of South America is covered now. I think Australia’s completely covered. There’s a lot of coverage.Captain Douglas Meier:
Definitely the Caribbean, the Bahamas, yes, New England, Florida, Gulf of Mexico, all that.Michael Robilio from Marine Data Solutions:
Yeah, that’s all covered really well now.Captain Douglas Meier:
So basically, I guess what I’m gathering from this is it’s work in progress, yes, but with the cost involved. And let’s say you’re a Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean?Michael Robilio from Marine Data Solutions:
Yes, the Starlink system actually covers a lot of that ground too. It does. It covers all of it.Captain Douglas Meier:
OK, so maybe a hybrid of both systems?Michael Robilio from Marine Data Solutions:
So what’s coming is the problem with Starlink is that there’s not enough satellites up there yet. There’s less than 4000 and the constellation is scheduled to be 30,000. So we’re at 10% of coverage right now or a little more. So there’s a lot of times when there’s just not a satellite up there and so you have a 2 minute gap of no service or maybe you have a 30 second gap, which lots of people are currently experiencing.Captain Douglas Meier:
Right. And that’s what a lot of people are having happened right now. So between losing priority status and being throttled on the RV and you don’t have that quite as many satellites as we need, there’s dropouts in the service.Michael Robilio from Marine Data Solutions:
So what we’ve got coming is equipment that will blend the Starlink with the 4G and 5G systems. So the blended internet systems will eliminate those Starlink service dropouts and the user internet experience will be uninterrupted. Will also be faster than both of those systems singly. And when one or the other drops out, the other is going to give you what’s available. So what we’re trying to do is eliminate the internet service dropouts.Captain Douglas Meier:
OK, so and it’s coming, and over time it’ll be fixed with Starlink, but they’ve got to launch another thousand satellites. Is that what you’re doing?Michael Robilio from Marine Data Solutions:
Launching satellites? No…. (laughing)Captain Douglas Meier:
Well, I know you put one up the other day. No, I mean, Marine Data is going to kind of build a hybrid system.Michael Robilio from Marine Data Solutions:
Yes, yes. So we’re working with several manufacturers and we’re testing now to get that equipment ready to go where you’re going to be able to blend Starlink and 5G to have a seamless service. No matter where you go.Captain Douglas Meier:
Thank you!! All right, gang. That’s Tech Talk. It’s work in progress. There’s no cut and dry answer on what’s going on, but there’s a lot of stuff on the horizon. Thanks, Mike.Contact Concord for more Starlink info.