Some companies want people to go back to their desks. Others work from their kitchen tables and are fine with them. How 2022!
But why not let SpaceX work with Starlink from the side of the road pulling their RV?
I have friends who do not work from their office or home.
They work from where they find themselves. In fact, you know one of them. Computerworld’s own Mike Elgan has been a digital nomad for years. He is working near Venice, Italy.
Me? I’m a homebody that usually works from home, but I’m working from Madrid this week.
But, it is not easy.
Get internet connection. Even more than energy – that’s why batteries – we need the internet to work
As the Mobile Internet Research Center points out: “There is no single ‘best solution’ for all mobile Internet situations. If you want to move locations fairly or need to be, you need to be prepared for the reality that everything that works best will change. Time. “
They are right. It changes every time.
I use Verizon when I’m in the US for 4G / 5G internet as my last resort. But when I’m in Europe, I switch to my Google Fi. The Fi service is much cheaper and has better coverage for international calls and the Internet
How many people want to pay for two phone services?
But, if you get a high-speed internet connection that will work for you wherever you go – say, something you can add to your RV or boat?
It is no longer a fantasy. SpaceX’s Starlink is now available as a Starlink for RV.
With this, across the continental United States, most parts of Canada, and across the UK and a large part of Europe, you can now get StarLink download speeds in excess of 100Mbps, upload speeds in the 12Mbps range, and latency of around 20 milliseconds.
It’s fast enough for work and video conferencing.
Out of curiosity, Starlink says you can sign up and pick up a dish for your RV or boat right now. Meanwhile, I am still on the waiting list and will not receive any food until mid-2022. Come on, Elon! Let’s get this dish on my roof!
Before you take out your credit card, there are several items in FAQ Fine Print that you must consider.
First, you only get Starlink’s “best effort service”.
As Starlink explains for RVs FAQ: “Network resources for Starlink for RVs users are always unprecedented compared to other Starlink services, resulting in service degradation and reduced speed in congested areas and peak hours. The worst delays will be in the ‘waitlist’ area on the Starlink availability map during peak hours. “
I don’t like the sound of it, but it’s still better than many options.
In my case, Verizon covers most of the places I visit in the state. “Mostly.” Starlink promises to take care of me wherever I go, unless I live in a city where skyscrapers block my vision.
It’s not cheap either.
Ordinary Sterlink costs $ 110 per month including a one-time equipment fee of 99 599. The Sterlink business costs $ 500 per month, including a one-time equipment fee of 500 2,500. The mobile version will cost an extra $ 25 per month, so you can expect a final monthly bill of 5 135.
It’s still less than paying for my spectrum gigabit cable connection which I can’t take anywhere.
And, if you have your RV in your driveway, you can pause the service. You will only pay for the months that you are actually on the road.
Also you can’t put Starlink in a car. Although I must say that the idea of running a Tesla Model S with a Starlink antenna on the roof brings a smile to my face. You really need an RV. Or, if you never plan on carrying something in your pickup truck, I guess you can put one there too.
And, if you have a private jet to make your own calls, Someday soon, you may be able to buy Starlink Jet.
So, is it worth it? I think it’s for some people. If you work and you really like the idea of van life, it sounds good. My partner Mary and I have been playing with the idea of getting a small RV for many years now, and it will make it easier. Stay tuned.
Me and my Starlink connection may soon be in a town near you!
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