Starlink Maritime is now available... but ouch

[b_ohare]

"High-speed, low-latency internet with up to 350 Mbps download while at sea. $5,000/mo with a one-time hardware cost of $10,000 for two high performance terminals."


Ouch.


Although there is this: "Starlink Maritime offers the ability to pause and un-pause service at any time, and is billed in one month increments, allowing users to customize their service to their individual needs."


Starlink Maritime

[wholybee]

I never expected it to be significantly less than the existing competition. This pricing is not unreasonable for the market.

It's a lot more than many eager speculators expected, but comparing to other options, it is very reasonable.

[SV Tom Crean]

Aimed at the commercial market and not use cruisers. More for liners, oil rigs etc where they are already paying high fees for low bandwidth.

[JC Reefer]

Originally Posted by wholybee

I never expected it to be significantly less than the existing competition. This pricing is not unreasonable for the market.



It's a lot more than many eager speculators expected, but comparing to other options, it is very reasonable.

Agreed that this is in line with other, notably slower, options but it doesn’t need to be.

Also, could you not use the RV package on your vessel? It’s likely restricted to some distance near the coastline. No?

[NaClyDog]

Originally Posted by JC Reefer

Agreed that this is in line with other, notably slower, options but it doesn’t need to be.

Also, could you not use the RV package on your vessel? It’s likely restricted to some distance near the coastline. No?

Of course it needs to be. They aren't running a charity and will charge what they can get away with.


Regarding the RV package from your vessel, my understanding is it will be geo-locked to your region somehow (based on your sign-up address). Country possibly? I'm sure they will be able to determine this and block at whatever level they want.

[FabioC]

Just in case somebody (say, from Dish...) is listening...
I think there is a gap in the market for something like 25/50Mbps downlink/$150month offshore.
Starlink maritime is way over the budget of recreational boaters, as other satellite services offshore. Also, 350 Mbps in the middle of the ocean is excessive for recreational boaters. On the other hand, IridiumGo and the likes are within budget, but objectively very limited and not enough bandwidth.
Something in between these extremes in terms of bandwidth/price would have a market.