Starlink authorised for Boats... and in motion

[h20man]

Starlink is now authorised for use on vessels in motion...


A step closer......
Space X is authorized to provide service for boats.....


The Federal Communications Commission authorized SpaceX to provide Starlink satellite internet to vehicles in motion, a key step for Elon Musk’s company to further expand the service.


from the article:
The FCC’s authorization also includes connecting to ships and vehicles like semitrucks and RVs, with SpaceX having last year requested to expand from servicing stationary customers. SpaceX had already deployed a version of its service called “Starlink for RVs,” with an additional “portability” fee. But portability is not the same as mobility, which the FCC’s decision now allows.




One step closer to freedom (or shackles depending on people's perspective... freedom for me..)

[h20man]

Looks like they are going to be using a new 3.0 terminal..... p

An interesting item from the actual FCC authorization is:
By this Order, we grant, subject to the conditions and limits set forth below, the
applications of SpaceX Services, Inc. (SpaceX) to operate consumer and enterprise Ku-band Earth
Stations in Motion (ESIM) and the application of Kepler Communications Inc. (Kepler) to operate
unlimited Ku-band Earth Stations on Vessels (ESVs) in the territorial waters of the United States and
aboard US-registered vessels throughout international waters worldwide.

Attaching FCC letter in case anyone is interested in details. Makes specific mention to "Authorizing a new class of terminals for SpaceX’s satellite system will expand the range of broadband capabilities to meet the growing user demands that now require
connectivity while on the move, whether driving an RV across the country, moving a freighter from
Europe to a U.S. port, or while on a domestic or international flight."

[sailorboy1]

Now just need more early adaptors to drive down the prices.

[h20man]

for what you get, this is a price / performance revolution.

even if global coverage would be x2 rv price.

[PaulvR]

HUGE NEWS

[FabioC]

Interesting...
This sounds like there was some "quid pro quo" behind the scenes...
Starlink got approved for in motion use (Dish was threatening to sue them because they did not have the proper license in their band), but they have to accept "interference from other services" (Dish is trying to jam them with 5G in that band).
We'll see where this is going... Starlink has superior technology, Dish eventually will die away... Elon Mask was saying they are going to jack up the price of the kit to $750. RV service costs $25 more (same as residential service the moment you are "roaming", i.e., your terminal is not at your service address) and roaming traffic has lower priority.
I guess Starlink is a ground-breaking service for remote areas, where there is 5G coverage, 5G is generally cheaper and better.

[jordanbigel]

Originally Posted by h20man

for what you get, this is a price / performance revolution.

even if global coverage would be x2 rv price.

2X the RV price (which I think is 700 + 135/mo) - do you have any reference for this? Thanks.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by FabioC

Interesting...

This sounds like there was some "quid pro quo" behind the scenes...

Starlink got approved for in motion use (Dish was threatening to sue them because they did not have the proper license in their band), but they have to accept "interference from other services" (Dish is trying to jam them with 5G in that band).

We'll see where this is going... Starlink has superior technology, Dish eventually will die away... Elon Mask was saying they are going to jack up the price of the kit to $750. RV service costs $25 more (same as residential service the moment you are "roaming", i.e., your terminal is not at your service address) and roaming traffic has lower priority.

I guess Starlink is a ground-breaking service for remote areas, where there is 5G coverage, 5G is generally cheaper and better.

Dish are not trying to jam starlink , the FCC have long stated that 12Ghz , which starlink uses for downlinks , should be opened up to other uses including 5G. Several 5G operators are supporting the FCC , whilst several sat operators including starlink are against the idea.

[Rumrace]

The Dish War continues. Maybe Elon will play nice and sell to them while they still have other people’s money

[h20man]

just commenting that the ability to do WFB (work from boat) is worth it to me. Especially if that boat is in. remote place, with no people, no cell towers, like the sea of cortez…..
I suspect that there may be a premium, but nit 2xrv cost.

sounds like a lot of money, but compared to existing SLOW, Traffic Limited solutions, this is a deal.

[sailingunity]

The real question is - can I use it across countries? Travel from US to Bahamas, Caribbean, Panama, Mexico, etc.

[SV Tom Crean]

Originally Posted by sailingunity

The real question is - can I use it across countries? Travel from US to Bahamas, Caribbean, Panama, Mexico, etc.

Yes (ish). The current RV version allows you to move in the same continent with some restrictions. You can use the same dish and sub in Panama, Grenada, couple of other islands, U.S. VI, PR, Bahamas and the U.S. I just did a trip from Grenada to FL and that's what we saw. They are updating this almost every week so don't be surprised is all the carribean is online next month.

I do expect them to bring out a mobile version but current hardware will still work. Ie just a packaging exercise.

PS. Ground stations are NOT required. There are none near Grenada and its works fine unless they have "secret" ground stations we don't know about.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by sailingunity

The real question is - can I use it across countries? Travel from US to Bahamas, Caribbean, Panama, Mexico, etc.

I suspect where the downlink ground station remains on the US , then it will work. For other Downlink stations starlink will need that countries approval

[Dirk01]

...and
aboard US-registered vessels throughout international waters worldwide.

Do I have to register my boat in the U.S.?

Cheers
Dirk

[SV Tom Crean]

Originally Posted by Dirk01

...and
aboard US-registered vessels throughout international waters worldwide.

Do I have to register my boat in the U.S.?

Cheers
Dirk

No. FCC approval only impacts the company SpaceX and not the users. Stick it on any boat you want.