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01-01-2025, 21:27
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Toronto, Canada
Boat: Luders 33 - hull 23
Posts: 1,840
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Starlink scenario - please enlighten me
Service plans for us boaters are confusing to say the least. I read all the SL website FAQs and posts in this forum, but I am still not 100% sure about the plan changes needed if you are in a country, then you cross, then you stay in another country for a while. Is there a less expensive SL way to do it in the following scenario?
- I get an SL Mini in the US – roam 50gb plan. I go down the US east coast, which I can without any service plan changes within 12 miles of shore.
- Then I sail to Bermuda, the 12 miles no longer applies; so, I change my plan to Mobile Priority ($329).
- I stay in Bermuda, say 2 weeks, then sail to South America, and have SL on the ocean for weather, etc, not streaming; Do I have to change my plan while in Bermuda?
- I sail from Bermuda still on the Mobile Priority and once I get to say, Brazil, I will change my service account to that country since I’ll most likely stay for longer than 2 months, and resume normal usage of their Roam 50gb plan.
That means that my hypothetical expense will be the 50gb Roam costs plus $329 for as many months as it takes to get to a country and change it back. I assume they allow these kinds of up/down switches.
I’ll appreciate it if someone can help me and tell me whether or not I am correct on the above.
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02-01-2025, 00:22
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: San Francisco
Boat: Morgan 382
Posts: 3,643
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Re: Starlink scenario - please enlighten me
A few months ago Starlink announced there will be changes first quarter this year. So, no one really knows what the near future will be. The sticky issue a few months ago was with users having an address in one country, and traveling full time and never returning home.
Some users get around this by changing their address whenever they reach a new country, then turning off service, and "selling" the dish and transferring to themselves at the new address. This practice isn't well received as it amounts to the untaxed importation of high tech goods into another country. Several countries had all Starlink turned off and users in those countries had service suspended, the result of agreements between those countries and Starlink.
Pricing also changes often, and varies by location. Mobile priority 50GB is $250 where I look at the price. I'm not sure where you are seeing $329.
The only thing you can really do is decide on what dish you want, and be flexible and willing to change plans and pay more when Starlink changes them. My expectation is that they will be adding a more expensive plan that is like the Mobile Priority except you don't need to return home every 3 months.
Switching plans often isn't a problem as long as you occasionally return home. What happens when you stay at a destination past a few months is up in the air for now. There is a reasonable likelihood that when you reach Brazil you will need to give up your dish and buy a new one if you intend to stay there and keep using it. I have had to deal with customs in Brazil before. They don't like imported goods, and it is really expensive.
__________________
-Warren
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02-01-2025, 07:51
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Toronto, Canada
Boat: Luders 33 - hull 23
Posts: 1,840
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Re: Starlink scenario - please enlighten me
Quote:
Originally Posted by wholybee
A few months ago Starlink announced there will be changes first quarter this year. So, no one really knows what the near future will be. The sticky issue a few months ago was with users having an address in one country, and traveling full time and never returning home.
Some users get around this by changing their address whenever they reach a new country, then turning off service, and "selling" the dish and transferring to themselves at the new address. This practice isn't well received as it amounts to the untaxed importation of high tech goods into another country. Several countries had all Starlink turned off and users in those countries had service suspended, the result of agreements between those countries and Starlink.
Pricing also changes often, and varies by location. Mobile priority 50GB is $250 where I look at the price. I'm not sure where you are seeing $329.
The only thing you can really do is decide on what dish you want, and be flexible and willing to change plans and pay more when Starlink changes them. My expectation is that they will be adding a more expensive plan that is like the Mobile Priority except you don't need to return home every 3 months.
Switching plans often isn't a problem as long as you occasionally return home. What happens when you stay at a destination past a few months is up in the air for now. There is a reasonable likelihood that when you reach Brazil you will need to give up your dish and buy a new one if you intend to stay there and keep using it. I have had to deal with customs in Brazil before. They don't like imported goods, and it is really expensive.
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Thank you, and you are right, we can only make plans and adjust as they change the rules along the way.
I took the $329 cost from the Canadian site, and since I also have a US address, I'd be better off buying it in the US.
And as you mentioned, they will make another change early this year.
The following was extracted from their FAQ under the heading "Can I use Starlink on the ocean?":
..."If you are on the Global or Roam Unlimited service plans (Roam) you will need to opt-in to Mobile Priority data to use Starlink on international waters. This ability will be available until early 2025, when we intend to roll out the ability to seamlessly switch plans for use when traveling on international waters".
Crossing my fingers that they will not be out of reach (cost-wise) for most of us.
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02-01-2025, 08:24
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2017
Boat: IP 44
Posts: 315
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Re: Starlink scenario - please enlighten me
Roam Unlimited plan and opt into Mobile Priority when you will be more than 12 miles off shore. That way you get unlimited data near shore and you just pay for the extra GB as needed.
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02-01-2025, 08:38
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Toronto, Canada
Boat: Luders 33 - hull 23
Posts: 1,840
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Re: Starlink scenario - please enlighten me
Quote:
Originally Posted by CrispyCringle
Roam Unlimited plan and opt into Mobile Priority when you will be more than 12 miles off shore. That way you get unlimited data near shore and you just pay for the extra GB as needed.
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Right, as it is now, you pay for the Mobile Priority only when needed i.e. offshore ($250 USD), and then switch back, but only if you return to the country of registry after 2 months - the puzzling piece is if you are moving on and away from it.
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03-01-2025, 07:50
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2023
Posts: 20
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Re: Starlink scenario - please enlighten me
Hi,
IMHO Starlink is the most (one of the most?) important pieces of safety equipment aboard.
So we do it simple and safe. The way StarLink is expecting us to do.
We think the pricing is very reasonable for the astonishing service.
Maritime antenna and Mobile priority. Registered on our home in Sweden.
Cost in SEK = approx 250 USD per month. 50 GB per month. 100% coverage.
When we do not need SL we just pause for a few months - we never do anything "exotic".
Have not had one single problems during the year we have had it.
Not one single disturbance or stop.
My advice:
If you dont mind glitches in communication you can choose a low cost antenna.
But for sure Mobile Priority on your correct home address.
Thats all.
https://www.starlink.com/service-plans
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03-01-2025, 08:03
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Toronto, Canada
Boat: Luders 33 - hull 23
Posts: 1,840
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Re: Starlink scenario - please enlighten me
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sowilo
Hi,
IMHO Starlink is the most (one of the most?) important pieces of safety equipment aboard.
So we do it simple and safe. The way StarLink is expecting us to do.
We think the pricing is very reasonable for the astonishing service.
Maritime antenna and Mobile priority. Registered on our home in Sweden.
Cost in SEK = approx 250 USD per month. 25 GB per month. 100% coverage.
When we do not need SL we just pause for a few months - we never do anything "exotic".
Have not had one single problems during the year we have had it.
Not one single disturbance or stop.
My advice:
if you agree it is a safety issue: Just do it right and keep it that way with pauses if needed.
If you dont mind glitches in communication you can choose a low cost antenna.
But for sure Mobile Priority on your correct home address.
If you think it is just entertainment: It is not really important if it works?
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I agree that it is an important tool but not necessarily a safety issue, but for me, it is definitely not for entertaining either.
But anyway, I am not trying to circumvent any SL rules, just looking for a plausible strategy without having to pay for the maritime option, which is beyond my means.
Having said that, if you sail only in one area, everything is fine, but I'd like to know if you can share what you did if you sailed out of Sweden or Europe for longer than 2 months.
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04-01-2025, 06:19
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2023
Posts: 20
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Re: Starlink scenario - please enlighten me
Hi,
Using Starlink we have sailed from Panama to New Zealand over Easter Island.
To use Starlink you have to have an antenna and a subscription (data).
We bought the Maritime plan with a high performance antenna and Mobile Priority data - but you can have any StarLink antenna. Or at least could.
The high performance antenna cost ca 2,500 USD and is designed to be used on sea in rough environment and on a moving platform so it "works better".
The subscription data is the one with geo location rules.
If I understand it correct you have a "standard" antenna with a Mobile Priority.
Then everything is ok as far as I understand and you just have to sail on.
My advice is to register it on your real home address to avoid problems.
When you log into your account you have access to an excellent support. At least they have been excellent the few times I used them :-)
Do you have any problems right now?
/Danny
PS
I think SL terminology is a bit confusing with: Antenna, Plan and Data Tyoe.
SL web page:
Data Type vs Service Plan
Technically, the data types are also the four available Starlink service plans. When you purchase a Starlink plan, your account dashboard will list your service as Mobile, Standard, Priority, or Mobile Priority.
...
The *recommended* hardware for Mobile Priority data is the Flat High Performance dish
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09-01-2025, 22:16
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: canada
Posts: 4,788
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Re: Starlink scenario - please enlighten me
the best and really only plan to have on a boat is the regional roam. unlimited. for $150usd or whatever it is.
Unlimited data within 12 miles of any countries coast. if mid water between countries (in same continent) you turn on priority data for $2 / gb. limit usage to weather, email etc if worried about cost durring this time. then go nuts again when near the next land (after you turn off priority)
if you are crossing a whole ocean to another continent it gets more tricky.
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10-01-2025, 10:36
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#10
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Marine Service Provider
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Caribbean
Boat: Eleuthera 60
Posts: 193
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Re: Starlink scenario - please enlighten me
[QUOTE=Sowilo;3961726]Hi,
“IMHO Starlink is the most (one of the most?) important pieces of safety equipment aboard”
Dear World, please STOP considering fickle electronic gadgets as primary safety equipment. Real sailors, power or wind, rely on experience, prudence, self-reliance and endurance as a front-line means to safety.
Want to stay safe ? Don’t leave the dock. Want to leave the dock ? Know what you’re doing and navigate within your means. What to go further ? Be patient, make mistakes and have a plan to SELF-RESCUE.
As an emergency responder for decades: ocean / fire/ paramedicine, the nanny-State has only worsened with increased electronics.
Want to know the weather ? Poke your head outside away from your screen and check the horizon. Want to know historic weather ? Read the pilot guides…centuries of wisdom.
Yes I have a Starlink for my teens to do schoolwork. No it is NOT part of my safety plan. How the heck will that little dish help you when you’ve been swamped or knocked-down and your precious battery bank is underwater and all the lights go out ?!?
“When seconds count, help is ALWAYS minutes or days away !” Get trained, be prepared, don’t call mommy for help until you have exhausted ALL things within your power.
Good day.
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10-01-2025, 10:39
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#11
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Marine Service Provider
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Caribbean
Boat: Eleuthera 60
Posts: 193
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Re: Starlink scenario - please enlighten me
To the OP:
Sorry for the above. We have found Starlink unpredictable while cruising in terms of “plans”. Stationary boats we speak with get pigeon-holed into a particular plan, but if we keep moving it seems to adapt with us before price-hiking. Also, as mentioned above, SL continues to change the plans and jurisdictions of service as they contract with more and more sovereign nations regarding “telecom” regulations. Be patient and be prepared to pay the maximum contract price and be happy if it is less than that.
Cheers ;-)
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10-01-2025, 11:04
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#12
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Rochester, NY
Boat: Chris Craft 381 Catalina
Posts: 6,967
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Re: Starlink scenario - please enlighten me
[QUOTE=sv Stella Maris;3963572]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sowilo
Hi,
“IMHO Starlink is the most (one of the most?) important pieces of safety equipment aboard”
Dear World, please STOP considering fickle electronic gadgets as primary safety equipment. Real sailors, power or wind, rely on experience, prudence, self-reliance and endurance as a front-line means to safety.
Want to stay safe ? Don’t leave the dock. Want to leave the dock ? Know what you’re doing and navigate within your means. What to go further ? Be patient, make mistakes and have a plan to SELF-RESCUE.
As an emergency responder for decades: ocean / fire/ paramedicine, the nanny-State has only worsened with increased electronics.
Want to know the weather ? Poke your head outside away from your screen and check the horizon. Want to know historic weather ? Read the pilot guides…centuries of wisdom.
Yes I have a Starlink for my teens to do schoolwork. No it is NOT part of my safety plan. How the heck will that little dish help you when you’ve been swamped or knocked-down and your precious battery bank is underwater and all the lights go out ?!?
“When seconds count, help is ALWAYS minutes or days away !” Get trained, be prepared, don’t call mommy for help until you have exhausted ALL things within your power.
Good day.
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In my mind, something like Starlink does enhance safety. But not in the sense of helping after something goes wrong. It helps avoid things going wrong. Having better access to weather data, etc. makes it easier to avoid ending up in a bad situation.
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11-01-2025, 04:50
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#13
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2017
Location: NE Florida
Boat: 1980 Endeavour 32
Posts: 1,036
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Re: Starlink scenario - please enlighten me
[QUOTE=sv Stella Maris;3963572]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sowilo
Hi,
Want to know the weather ? Poke your head outside away from your screen and check the horizon. Want to know historic weather ? Read the pilot guides…centuries of wisdom..
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Years ago (late 1980's) 2 friends of mine went to the Bahamas for the season. They had a great time. Stayed in the Abacos the whole of their cruising. The only "issue" they had was being caught by the fronts coming through and finding themselves not in optimum locations, sometimes spending several days in a very rolly anchorage, and sometimes concerned about their anchor dragging.
Yeah, looking outside can sure show you what's coming, but it's a little late to change anchorages by then. Having access to modern weather forecasts is a true game changer. Knowing a front is coming through - and "approximately" what it may be like - days ahead of time gives you the ability to make plans for it.
Is it required ? Of course not. Does it add to your safety ? Seems to me it does.
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11-01-2025, 06:48
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#14
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2023
Posts: 20
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Re: Starlink scenario - please enlighten me
[QUOTE=sv Stella Maris;3963572][QUOTE=Sowilo;3961726]Hi,
“IMHO Starlink is the most (one of the most?) important pieces of safety equipment aboard”
Dear World, please STOP considering fickle electronic gadgets as primary safety equipment. Real sailors, power or wind, rely on experience, prudence, self-reliance and endurance as a front-line means to safety.
-----
Oh dear,
Did not expect that reaction.
Made my first cross Atlantic 1984 with sextant, chronometer, mechanical trail log and a daily forcast from BBC. (Atlantic had 4 quadrants).
We left BVI with a brilliant weather forcast and where hit by a storm/hurrican close to Bermuda. Not very fun at all.
With todays weather forcast we can easy avoid a hurrican without problem. I.e. Starlink.
A friend crew had to abondon ship in same hurrican. Had no way to communicate except VHF and an old EPIRB. Had to spend a week in life raft before they where picked up., Not very fun at all.
With todays SAT communication you can communicate way better with rescue centers.
A crew member had a bad fall mid transit last year and we did not know how to stabilise his left arm. Broken? Displaced? Stabilisation? Painkillers? Morphine?
A video consultation with a doctor and we had him on correct pain killers and the arm fixed the correct way. I.e. StarLink.
Very few of us have a crystal ball for the weather forcast, experience as trauma doctor and Psi power to reach rescue centers. So Yes I think Sat com is one of the most important safety equipments aboard. Even as a very experienced anchient sailor I want to use new technology when it helps.
And StarLink shines.
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18-01-2025, 09:44
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#15
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Moderator

Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Denmark (Winter), Cruising North Sea and Baltic (Summer)
Boat: Cutter-Rigged Moody 54
Posts: 35,227
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Re: Starlink scenario - please enlighten me
Quote:
Originally Posted by smac999
the best and really only plan to have on a boat is the regional roam. unlimited. for $150usd or whatever it is.
Unlimited data within 12 miles of any countries coast. if mid water between countries (in same continent) you turn on priority data for $2 / gb. limit usage to weather, email etc if worried about cost durring this time. then go nuts again when near the next land (after you turn off priority)
if you are crossing a whole ocean to another continent it gets more tricky.
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I set up a Starlink Mini on a friend's boat before we sailed from Annapolis to Key West and the Dry Tortugas over the holidays.
We used the $250 priority plan.
It worked brilliantly, totally unlike any satellite connections I've used. The connection was indistinguishable from a good home fiber connection, for me anyway. The download speed was somewhat slower but with very low latency. I made really excellent Zoom calls with it. I will be installing a Mini on my own boat this spring.
It sound like from comments upthread that the possibility of adding on priority data to an unlimited plan will be phased out, so that we have to switch to the priority plan when we go offshore.
I would certainly prefer to be able to just bolt on priority data at $2/GB. The problem with switching plans is that you will be burning your priority data inshore, once the plan is activated.
What this means, I think, is that once we've switched to the priority plan we can no longer treat the connection as being unlimited; we have to try to limit usage.
__________________
"You sea! I resign myself to you also . . . . I guess what you mean,
I behold from the beach your crooked inviting fingers,
I believe you refuse to go back without feeling of me;
We must have a turn together . . . . I undress . . . . hurry me out of sight of the land,
Cushion me soft . . . . rock me in billowy drowse,
Dash me with amorous wet . . . . I can repay you."
Walt Whitman
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