Starlink, is it a good option.

[AntonyA]

This June, we're planning to travel extensively around Europe for about five months. Fortunately, we're not restricted by the 90-day Schengen limit. Our main concern is reliable internet access while on the road.


We're considering two options: Starlink or a SIM card setup with a router. We've seen some attractive eSIM data deals, but we're unsure whether there are routers that support eSIMs—or if it might be better to use a spare mobile phone with a data-only SIM and hotspot it to our laptops and TV. Starlink seems reliable but expensive.


Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. We will be traveling to France, Italy, Switzerland, Croatia, Thanks in advance!

 

[Tombola]

Don’t forget the Tarrifs may significantly increase the cost of Star link but then Again may not.

Covering all bases just in case CC

Or maybe not..I mean really...looooool

 

[LesW]

Pathetic statement. Just no need.

Some people just can't help themselves, as you say, pathetic.

 

[ian27]

It seems that the Teltonika RUT241 eSIM (along with a couple of other routers) supports eSims…

thats good if they've added consumer esim as well. Last time I looked they were only m2m esim.

 

[Randomstop]

thats good if they've added consumer esim as well. Last time I looked they were only m2m esim.

This is from the router specs on Teltonika website:
eSIM* - Consumer type eSIM, profile download and removal operations, up to 7 eSIM profiles; does not include data plans

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[ian27]

Can the usual suspects keep politics out of a useful thread. You never know, you might find you enjoy posting more when you are not trying to wedge your politics into each and every post. It will certainly make for easier reading for the rest of us too. Thank You.

totally agree. I do have a view on the politics of this but I have deliberately kept it out of my responses. personally I wouldn't object if all the purely political comments were purged from this thread by a moderator, so as to keep the useful technical information provided by many contributors more readable for those who may wish to refer back to it.

 

[matbic]

totally agree. I do have a view on the politics of this but I have deliberately kept it out of my responses. personally I wouldn't object if all the purely political comments were purged from this thread by a moderator, so as to keep the useful technical information provided by many contributors more readable for those who may wish to refer back to it.

I am not sure deleting stuff some don’t like is such a good idea - others might like it.

But I do agree it’s difficult to get to all the useful stuff if it’s all mixed up - this tread has technical and politics mixed. It’s worse than that it it also has Starlink and non-Starlink alternatives mixed up.

How about a thread about specifically about Starlink, another about “not-Starlink” mobile networks and for those that want it a separate political thread where they can entertain themselves!

Not sure how to go about making my suggestion happen! Still this thread has, for all its failings, been a very valuable resource.

 

[Mike Hawkins]

Pathetic statement. Just no need.

I started this so I feel I should end it. This post upset a number of people and I’m really sorry it did. And I quite understand why because this is no place for politics. Truth is it had less to do with politics and more to do with the irascible behaviour of an octogenerian who thought his cheap shot would give others a laugh. Ah well … I’ll try and do better . Mike

 

[gpat]

Perhaps you should look at a Lebara SIM. Firstly, they allow up to 30Gb per month roaming in the EU (O2 only 20Gb). They use the Vodaphone system. To exceed 30GB before your next month’s contract, you have to buy an add-on which is similar in price to Aerolo. Your countries are not complicated as all are EU countries (not sure about Switzerland. I use Lebara all the time and am delighted with it. My wife uses a Lebara SIM when her O2 limit of 20 Gb is reached. We are away from home for 90 days and, unavoidably, there are odd occasions when there isn’t a signal. Only Nazi Starlink offers a better guarantee.

Off track a bit. I bought a Lebara sim and though wow, fantastic deal. Ditched my vodaphone but when got home I found Lebara doesn't include the Isle of Man in its roaming plan

 

[CAB96]

Off track a bit. I bought a Lebara sim and though wow, fantastic deal. Ditched my vodaphone but when got home I found Lebara doesn't include the Isle of Man in its roaming plan

View attachment 1050228

Also Channel Islands

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[gus-lopez]

Yes -does that mean a Starlink is going up for sale soon?

I'd seriously think of going back to a data sim or phone plan if the signal was better but after Mondays electrical debacle there is now no chance. I had power & internet whilst others had nothing

I reckon I'd only go for Starlink if I absolutely needed internet all the time due to the cost

We spent 20 years in a seriously bad signal area for bothe internet & mobile phone before getting starlink .Mainaly as the cost came down to 40€ + the gov.es tax of 9€. we were paying 35€ for unlimited data with Yoigo having used everyone else.
In the 18 months we have been using it neither one of us has ever ranted about the connection,lack of it, dropping in/out ,etc, which was an occurrence every other day with other providers

How about a thread about specifically about Starlink,

There is one . runs to a couple of hundred pages now

Off track a bit. I bought a Lebara sim and though wow, fantastic deal. Ditched my vodaphone but when got home I found Lebara doesn't include the Isle of Man in its roaming plan

View attachment 1050228

Reminds me of my mate & his wife ditching DIGI & going to Lobster then having to make phone calls to Malta, Cyprus & Germany landlines ,none of which were included & ended up paying out around 150,e just to finalise his problem.
Changed back to DIGI straight after.

 

[Fragle]

That's a great point to make.

I bet ideology would go out the window when push comes to shove.

I've got internet but it's Elon's

 

[StillGoing]

There may be some competition next year

Amazon launches first Kuiper internet satellites, taking on Starlink​

 

[Randomstop]

I am not sure deleting stuff some don’t like is such a good idea - others might like it.

But I do agree it’s difficult to get to all the useful stuff if it’s all mixed up - this tread has technical and politics mixed. It’s worse than that it it also has Starlink and non-Starlink alternatives mixed up.

How about a thread about specifically about Starlink, another about “not-Starlink” mobile networks and for those that want it a separate political thread where they can entertain themselves!

Not sure how to go about making my suggestion happen! Still this thread has, for all its failings, been a very valuable resource.

Someone wrote, “We’re considering two options: Starlink or a SIM card setup with a router.” for people to suggest one or another, but you are suggesting to divide the answers into two separate threads. This would be interesting for the person who asked the question to navigate through those two threads to find the answers.

 

[MisterB]

This June, we're planning to travel extensively around Europe for about five months. Fortunately, we're not restricted by the 90-day Schengen limit. Our main concern is reliable internet access while on the road.


We're considering two options: Starlink or a SIM card setup with a router. We've seen some attractive eSIM data deals, but we're unsure whether there are routers that support eSIMs—or if it might be better to use a spare mobile phone with a data-only SIM and hotspot it to our laptops and TV. Starlink seems reliable but expensive.


Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. We will be traveling to France, Italy, Switzerland, Croatia, Thanks in advance!

have you got any further in your deliberations? i think if you identify your usage needs it will help you work out the best option, which actually be two or even three different ways to provide a decent level of service.

i also think the route you choose will be a major factor. if for instance you register a starlink in a country that youre going through to reach a specific destination and you will be revisiting that country on your way back, then that might work, as might registering it in your home country, then re registering it 2 months later in another country IF the service is stopped?

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[matbic]

Someone wrote, “We’re considering two options: Starlink or a SIM card setup with a router.” for people to suggest one or another, but you are suggesting to divide the answers into two separate threads. This would be interesting for the person who asked the question to navigate through those two threads to find the answers.

Yes that is very true. I agree and the decision to go for Starlink and/or Mobile network is very difficult.

I was going to go for both but since I got the mobile network first and realised it was cheap and good enough for all my needs I gave my Starlink away, It’s unnecessary - for me.

For me: Starlink uses too much power; I can’t park up under trees; for the high monthly fee I can get unlimited data eSIM or local SIM (but only pay for the time I need them which is much cheaper over a year); the 2 month limit on Starlink when out of the UK is a non starter.

For others Starlink is absolutely perfect.

So I stand corrected - lets just discuss both without mentioning the owners of the respective companies! That should make it more helpful.

 

[Randomstop]

Some

Yes that is very true. I agree and the decision to go for Starlink and/or Mobile network is very difficult.

I was going to go for both but since I got the mobile network first and realised it was cheap and good enough for all my needs I gave my Starlink away, It’s unnecessary - for me.

For me: Starlink uses too much power; I can’t park up under trees; for the high monthly fee I can get unlimited data eSIM or local SIM (but only pay for the time I need them which is much cheaper over a year); the 2 month limit on Starlink when out of the UK is a non starter.

For others Starlink is absolutely perfect.

So I stand corrected - lets just discuss both without mentioning the owners of the respective companies! That should make it more helpful.

Someone mentioned earlier that during the recent blackout in Spain and Portugal, Starlink service remained operational for about 8-10 hours, while all cellular service was unavailable. If an 8-10 hour outage doesn’t bother you, you might be satisfied with 4/5G mobile service. However, if you require a reliable connection, Starlink is the better option. Starlink mini is currently priced at around 300 euros. Even if you pause (or not start until needed) Roam service and keep the dish in your van for backup, it provides a great backup in case you need a connection. Surprisingly, people purchase routers costing over 500 euros (in many cases, all they need is a 50 euro one) while considering Starlink’s 300 euros too expensive.

Additionally, some people, like myself, hate monitoring usage or searching for local SIM cards when needed. Traveling in Switzerland or along its border, we often pray that our router or phone won’t switch to a Swiss provider tower or end up in a cellular-dead zone. Why not have a backup option?

 

[Randomstop]

have you got any further in your deliberations? i think if you identify your usage needs it will help you work out the best option, which actually be two or even three different ways to provide a decent level of service.

i also think the route you choose will be a major factor. if for instance you register a starlink in a country that youre going through to reach a specific destination and you will be revisiting that country on your way back, then that might work, as might registering it in your home country, then re registering it 2 months later in another country IF the service is stopped?

Many people from UK travel through France twice during the trip, why not register in France at current 72 euro rate? Going back to U.K. pause the service, and unpause it on your next trip to Europe. Same works for Spain in case you go directly to Spain, but your service will be 9 euros more per month, as Spanish government charges some very high frequency access fees, which is passed to customers. Still 81 euros a month beats the U.K. pricing…

 

[pandas]

Many people from UK travel through France twice during the trip, why not register in France at current 72 euro rate? Going back to U.K. pause the service, and unpause it on your next trip to Europe. Same works for Spain in case you go directly to Spain, but your service will be 9 euros more per month, as Spanish government charges some very high frequency access fees, which is passed to customers. Still 81 euros a month beats the U.K. pricing…

How much?

 

[Rog NotJane]

So I stand corrected - lets just discuss both without mentioning the owners of the respective companies! That should make it more helpful.

I think this is short sighted. Choosing any product and especially a tech product based only on the numbers is not a good decision.

The owners of these platforms have a lot of sway over how you use them now and in the future. Try and think beyond your immediate utility and to what impact your choices have.

If you recycle, eat free range chicken or try and limit your environmental impact in any way, think about your tech footprint in the same way.

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[Randomstop]

How mu

I’m a bit puzzled. After providing all the numbers, I didn’t expect this question.

 

[Carpmart]

I think this is short sighted. Choosing any product and especially a tech product based only on the numbers is not a good decision.

The owners of these platforms have a lot of sway over how you use them now and in the future. Try and think beyond your immediate utility and to what impact your choices have.

If you recycle, eat free range chicken or try and limit your environmental impact in any way, think about your tech footprint in the same way.

I live nine months of the year in my Motorhome, generating all my own electricity, I cook, cool, freeze, light, dry, warm, wash, transport all with sustainably generated power. A small yet sustainable footprint one can agree! Despite driving around Europe, I use less fuel; 75% less fossil fuel than when I worked. We buy food locally grown and not flown around Europe. I also have chosen to use technology in Starlink which enables me to effectively, reliably and pervasively communicate via every medium known, also solar powered, so I am unsure why this makes me persona non grata?

 

[B1TNY]

This June, we're planning to travel extensively around Europe for about five months. Fortunately, we're not restricted by the 90-day Schengen limit. Our main concern is reliable internet access while on the road.


We're considering two options: Starlink or a SIM card setup with a router. We've seen some attractive eSIM data deals, but we're unsure whether there are routers that support eSIMs—or if it might be better to use a spare mobile phone with a data-only SIM and hotspot it to our laptops and TV. Starlink seems reliable but expensive.


Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. We will be traveling to France, Italy, Switzerland, Croatia, Thanks in advance!

We have had two 3-month trips in Europe with Starlink, and while good, it can be frustrating if you are near trees that reduce or block your signal. I work remotely while travelling, and often video calls or TV streaming would be lost, and we revert to a mobile phone hotspot. Last trip on EE unlimited, we used 1.5TB of data without a problem.

This coming trip, we have bought a GL-3000 router, with its own EE unlimited data SIM. Testing at home has shown it to be far superior to Starlink, both in speed (up to 120 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload), so we have now halted our subscription; no more payments to Elon Musk.... Setup costs about the same, but EE running costs 75% cheaper.

 

[MisterB]

Many people from UK travel through France twice during the trip, why not register in France at current 72 euro rate? Going back to U.K. pause the service, and unpause it on your next trip to Europe.

That's exactly what I've done. It works out at around £61 per month by registering it in France!

 

[Rog NotJane]

I also have chosen to use technology in Starlink which enables me to effectively, reliably and pervasively communicate via every medium known, also solar powered, so I am unsure why this makes me persona non grata?

Doesn’t make you persona non grata, just means that for you the utility of Starlink outweighs the problems of giving money to Musk. You base that decision on having a low carbon impact.

I probably have a higher carbon footprint than you but chooose to boycot Musk et al.

All I’m saying is that everyone should make the same analysis you’ve made about Musks impact alongside any technical reasons for choosing Starlink.

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[AshFencing]

Get a Starlink Mini roof mounted. It’s a case of fit and forget. I had mine wired in (it’s just one cable with a thin positive and negative) to the 12v with a switch in line. It works brilliantly with excellent speeds even though it can’t be orientated. This here in the UK, France and Spain. So whether you’re parked or on the move connectivity is flawless.

However the current Starlink roof mount is a bit naff, it gives the idyllic tilt but the mount doesn’t offer any rotation whatsoever. Thus once mounted it will more often than not end up tilted but facing in completely the wrong direction, so the tilt could be adversely affecting the connection. The Starlink mount I also feel leaves the dish exposed potentially to any overhanging branches getting caught between the product and the roof of your vehicle, which could if caught badly (however rare or unlikely for most) cause damage to the motorhomes roof. The mount comes with a few really thin bolts and tiny rubber sealing washers along with a very small tube of sealant. Also the way the unit clips in seems insufficient and weak, thus may be vulnerable over rough surfaces and if caught by something like tree branches.
I bought a flat mount that’s available online (eBay/amazon/etsy) and it’s fantastic! Just make sure to leave it unsealed along its rear edge so water can weep out.
I hope this may be of some help.

 

[BrochMike]

AnthonyA
It's been a while since you last posted and we still don't really know much about your particular use case.

The thread continues to roll on (as they tend to) with little new information to help your decision, but...

I'm intrigued to know if you have come to any conclusion

 

[Carpmart]

Doesn’t make you persona non grata, just means that for you the utility of Starlink outweighs the problems of giving money to Musk. You base that decision on having a low carbon impact.

I probably have a higher carbon footprint than you but chooose to boycot Musk et al.

All I’m saying is that everyone should make the same analysis you’ve made about Musks impact alongside any technical reasons for choosing Starlink.

If there was a viable alternative to Starlink I would happily use it… sadly I need fibre like performance in my home…

 

[drmartinwhite]

This June, we're planning to travel extensively around Europe for about five months. Fortunately, we're not restricted by the 90-day Schengen limit. Our main concern is reliable internet access while on the road.


We're considering two options: Starlink or a SIM card setup with a router. We've seen some attractive eSIM data deals, but we're unsure whether there are routers that support eSIMs—or if it might be better to use a spare mobile phone with a data-only SIM and hotspot it to our laptops and TV. Starlink seems reliable but expensive.


Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. We will be traveling to France, Italy, Switzerland, Croatia, Thanks in advance!

We are going to Italy via France, Switzerland and back via Switzerland and Germany France, only for 3 weeks though. We have a MiFI router which we pay Smarty £10 a month that can be paused when not being used. That has a data cap of 12 GB. We also use our 2 O2 mobiles, again capped at 25 GB each. That gives us 62 GB,plenty for 3 weeks. But we also have Starlink, which is £85 for a month, again we can pause it. But Starlink gives us big bandwidth unlimited, but we won’t need that. However, Starlink have a new subscription of £8 a month for 10 GB, so we will turn that on and use Starlink for emergency where we get no coverage. This Starlink also offer £2/Gb top up, which is actually cheaper than on mobile 02 top up. So if we ran out of O2 we would use Starlink to up, which is same price as smarty top up. As a last resort we can buy a local sim and stuff it in our MIFI router.

In your case for 5 month, and wanting reliability, depending on on the data you use, I would probably pony up the cash and switch on one of the bigger Starlink subscriptions.

 

[Chris Summers]

This June, we're planning to travel extensively around Europe for about five months. Fortunately, we're not restricted by the 90-day Schengen limit. Our main concern is reliable internet access while on the road.


We're considering two options: Starlink or a SIM card setup with a router. We've seen some attractive eSIM data deals, but we're unsure whether there are routers that support eSIMs—or if it might be better to use a spare mobile phone with a data-only SIM and hotspot it to our laptops and TV. Starlink seems reliable but expensive.


Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. We will be traveling to France, Italy, Switzerland, Croatia, Thanks in advance!

We have had a Starlink for 12 months and pay £90 per month. Now they have options from £8 for 10gb and £2 per GB or £50 for 50gb and then £1gb well worth it

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[matbic]

We have had two 3-month trips in Europe with Starlink, and while good, it can be frustrating if you are near trees that reduce or block your signal. I work remotely while travelling, and often video calls or TV streaming would be lost, and we revert to a mobile phone hotspot. Last trip on EE unlimited, we used 1.5TB of data without a problem

This was exactly my experience - I decided Starlink was great but its limitations (power consumption and trees being the big ones) made a mobile network based router a must.

If you are using a mobile phone as your hot spot have you tried https://speedify.com/ It allows you to bind together more than one phone to get more bandwidth. I have had a quick go, it actually seems to work very well!