There’s no denying the popularity of Starlink. Regardless of what you think of its most visible proponent, Elon Musk, you just have to accept it. It’s a success. It’s bringing high-speed internet to places that didn’t have good options before. Don’t get me wrong… satellite internet has been around for a generation. But Starlink’s different. Using the same idea as cell phone towers, but orbiting much lower than satellites usually do, it can deliver an experience much more like land-based internet. That’s great news, whether you’re in the wilds of Wyoming or cruising the high seas 50 miles off shore.
Get Starlink, but know what you’re paying for
In 2023, SpaceX rolled out Starlink for Marine. Getting internet on a moving vessel’s a little harder than getting it on land. And, there’s something you really need to know before you consider it. While Starlink for home is generally unlimited, Starlink for your boat isn’t. There are several different options for the amount of data you want to use. Choosing the right package is important, because it’s like the old-fashioned cell phone plans. Go over your allotment, and you’re going to pay more. A lot more.
That’s why you’ll want to get two accessories that will make your Starlink subscription go a lot further.
Accessory #1: Cell phone signal booster and cellular router
A cell booster will help you get cell service from up to 10 miles offshore. Paired with a cellular router, you can get very good quality internet throughout the boat. While most commercial cell plans also have data caps, they’re just a lot less expensive to start. So, you can choose a plan that makes sense. That cell booster will help your phone, too, so if you’re streaming just for fun you may be able to use your own unlimited plan.
Accessory #2: DIRECTV Satellite TV
I can hear you thinking, DIRECTV? What is this, 2007? You might be one who has left satellite TV for dead on the side of the road. I won’t deny that DIRECTV isn’t the media powerhouse it once was, but it’s still the nation’s largest live TV service and it’s one of the only two available to folks offshore.
A satellite TV system for your boat isn’t cheap, but most of that expense is one, upfront cost. Once you have a satellite system, you’re paying a very low rate per month for all the live TV you want. There’s no overage charge, no data caps, and no problems. Watching just a few movies can blow your Starlink data plan, but you can watch as many movies as you want with satellite TV. It doesn’t matter if you have 10 TVs on 10 different channels on 24 hours a day. The price is the same.
Choose a partner who can help you with Starlink AND Satellite TV
The last thing you need is another business connection, especially while you’re out on the water. I get you, pal. I do. Work with the experts a Signal Connect and we’ll help you with cellular, internet, and live TV. You’ll talk to one person whether you need help with a bill or technical assistance. You can even have Signal Connect handle all the billing for you, so you don’t have to worry about it.
Find out the power of experience. Signal Connect has over 20 years doing satellite activations. No one’s done more marine satellite work than we have! We know how to get it done right. Call the experts at 888-233-7563. If it’s after hours, fill out the form below and we’ll get right back to you!
