You’ve probably read a lot about Starlink lately. If you haven’t, you will. It’s a system where there are a ton of little satellites that can provide internet service to areas that can’t get it. This includes RV, as apparently the company is going to make a version of their receiving antenna for mobile use.
The problem is, it’s pricey. REAL pricey. As in, you’ll think to yourself “my first car didn’t cost that much.” And the service is expensive too. I guess it’s a great option if you have no other options, but whenever I read about it, I don’t think it’s the future for everyone. I think it’s great, but it’s not as good as a lot of the other well-established options.
Chances are, you think that too, because you’re reading this article. You’re probably staring at Starlink’s prices and thinking, there has to be a better way.
There IS a better way.
Here’s something you already knew. About 99% of US roads and areas around them are served by cell phone service. Yes, you can go deep into one of America’s national parks and have no service. That’s true. But in most RV parks and on virtually any highway, there’s cell service.
There’s another thing to think of too. If you’re out in the middle of those parks, Starlink may not be able to help you either. It’s designed to work where you have a clear view of the sky. That means it probably won’t work in the deep woods. It’s probably not going to do much for you at the bottom of a canyon. So, its advantage over cell service seems kind of small if you ask me.
Making cell phone service work for you
If you’re unhappy with the cell service inside your RV, there is something you can do about it. Chances are you’re unhappy because your RV itself blocks most of the cell signal from getting in. This isn’t much of a problem in the driver’s seat, because of all the windows around you. But go further back, and you’ll get worse and worse service.
There’s a solution, and it doesn’t take a big monthly commitment. It doesn’t cost as much as a good used car. It’s here now, it’s proven tech, and you can install it yourself. It’s called a cell phone signal booster.
This is weBoost’s Drive Reach RV signal booster. It’s designed to do one thing, and do it well. It takes cell signals from outside, pumps them up, and rebroadcasts them inside. The oversized RV outdoor antenna pulls in signals that are weaker than your phone can get. The best-in-class booster amplifies them with the most power allowed by law. And, the easily placeable indoor antenna gives you great service exactly where you need it.
This system costs about 20% of what Starlink’s antenna costs. It costs less than half of the cost of a premium phone. And, the results are already in — it’s likely to last longer than your next 3 phones. It’s futureproof, works with nationwide 5G, and it’s here now. Does Starlink tick off those boxes? I don’t think so.
Yeah, but Starlink gives you Wi-Fi.
I just heard you say that. If you need Wi-Fi to work or play, you have options. Most premium phones have a Personal Hotspot mode that lets you convert your phone’s own cell service to perfectly serviceable Wi-Fi. In many cases you don’t even need to pay for a bigger cell phone plan.
If you’ve outgrown that option, there are better ones out there. There are cellular routers and hotspots designed for RVs that can flood the entire vehicle with great, fast Wi-Fi for less than you’ll pay for Starlink. Chances are you’ll get faster speeds that way, too.
Have I convinced you?
I hope I have. Because that’s the goal here. If you find that Starlink is for you, great. But if you’re put off by any part of it — whether it’s the cost of entry, the newness of the technology, or the controversies surrounding the company’s leader Elon Musk, you have better options. And you don’t have to make your way through them alone.
Call the experts at Signal Connect to find out all your options. We’re your one-stop source for everything you need. We can:
- Help you choose the right cell phone signal booster, sell it to you, and send it to you
- Help upgrade your cell phone plan if you need it
- Discuss hotspot and cellular router options, then get you the one you need
- Make sure all your billing is set up right.
We can even help you with other aspects of your RV lifestyle like satellite TV. One call, as they say, really does do it all. The number you want to know is 888-233-7563. That’s how you’ll reach our 100% US-based tech center, full of certified experts who can help you get what you need. We’re here for you during East Coast business hours. If it’s after hours, fill out the form below. We’ll get back to you, usually within one business day.
