Let’s Talk STARLINK

It seems like the marketing department at starlink can’t make up its mind and changes things every few weeks.

This is the only reason I haven't signed up for service yet. There isn't absolute clarity on what I'm signing up for.

How easy is it to switch on and off service? Thinking about keeping my dirt cheap unlimited wi-fi service for when I'm stateside and switching on for a month or two at a time when I'm actively cruising the bahamas.

It a as easy as going in the app and hitting the pause button. Pause only works for longer time frames though, as the pause only starts at the next billing cycle. We have both the original RV dish and the newer HP dish on board, I have paused the RV to keep it as back up.

There has been a lot of discussion following starlink announcement yesterday about cracking down on in motion and ocean use starting may 9th. The website has finally been updated with some much needed clarifications and definitions. See Screenshots below.


At this point, I order to use your SL on the “ocean” it looks like starting may 9th you will need to be on a roaming plan incl regional at $150/mo and when needed toggle the Opt In Priority Data at $2/gb (minimum 24hours) They also offer larger plans but this is the most practical for most users.


Their definition of land includes all areas marked available, coming soon or wait list. Most of the islands and cays of the Bahamas fall in that group. As long as you are within the hexagon shaped areas you do not need to use OIPD. No change.


Between areas of the Bahamas as well as within three zones in the exumas, Starlink will only work if you toggle OIPD.


So for instance when anchoring between Cambridge Cay and Farmers, you will not have to toggle OIPD on. But if you want service between Farmers and Barraterre, you will need OIPD toggled on. Then when you get there you can turn it off again.


In order to use Starlink underway, in motion, you need the $2500 High Perfomance dish. The RV/Residential dish will no longer work in motion

Are you having any issues with the HP dish mounted on your hardtop and radar interference?

Great post Pascal!

Some observations from the Pacific side. In the PNW, specifically Puget Sound, Starlink worked wonderfully during a recent week long visit.

As a Roam customers I guess we’ll find out when it will be necessary to opt-in to purchase Mobile Priority Data (charged per GB). Appears that it will be straightforward to toggle between opt-in and opt-out.

I have SL with the $2500 antenna and the $150/ month plan. I have not been to the boat yet and used it. I am also not very literate with technology. Can I make phone calls with just SL or will I need Skype or WhatsApp?

You can use Wi-Fi calling on your phone without having to resort to third party app. I hate WhatsApp…

Yea I guess some lawyer at starlink spotted a word he didn’t like …. I guess the part where it said “coming soon” was “ocean” since it encourages people Tobias SL where it’s not legal yet.

the slow speed cut out varies from user to user. In our case even going 6 kts out the marina channel and just touring around under 10kts was enough to shut down. That’s why I switched the the HP in motion dish. I m sure that’s going to be enforced since they offer the HP dish

Bit the bullet and ordered the Maritime setup. I will let you guys know how it works out.

Which antenna is everyone buying - $600 or the $2500?

If you want to use it underway the only antenna that’s approved is the $2500 High Performance antenna. SL has been sending emails to folks using the RV antenna while underway saying their warranty could be voided and their account could be terminated. Apparently authorities in various countries are putting pressure on SL to enforce the TOS.

some boaters, especially slow boats, still have good luck with the RV antenna underway, others no.

I am currently 300nm east of Bermuda and Starlink Maritime speeds are 220Mb Down and 60Mb Up. We had a Zoom call yesterday with no issues

Crossed to the bahamas yesterday and had cell and wifi the whole way. Maybe I am old but pretty amazing to me.

Cellular while crossing ? Even with a cell booster we always lost signal 12/15 nm off shore till about 10nm from Cat Cay or Bimini. Same on the bank… 60 nm dead zone between east of Cat till the NW Channel unLight.

Cellular service has been getting worst in many areas of the Bahamas due to congestion

As to Wi-Fi service, I gave up on that years ago, even with the high end Wave system. It would work in a few marina but that was it.

Yes cellular on the way across. It is possible that I had it from land but I don’t think so. Had internet for sure, as I was looking things up. I was using Starlink for the first time. You got me wondering about cell though. I posted this about 15 miles west of northwest shoal heading towards chubb