Starlink being used by firefighters in the Pacific NW

[docj]

This article was posted today about firefighters using Starlink in WA. No real data, but the quick setup would be a key feature for RVers. In the article is a photo of one of the deployed "antennas."

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/09/29/wash...-internet.html

[DirtRider]

Originally Posted by docj

This article was posted today about firefighters using Starlink in WA. No real data, but the quick setup would be a key feature for RVers. In the article is a photo of one of the deployed "antennas."

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/09/29/wash...-internet.html

So danged cool! I'm really glad you posted this--I wouldn't have seen it. C'mon, Musk, you beautiful part-time charlatan, full-time genius!

[lemodrop9344]

Would encourage all on this forum to go to starlink.com and use that portal to sign up to be a tester when it becomes available in your area.

[HDGoose]

Interesting. I do have several questions around costs of equipment, band widths, numbers of users, etc...

I wonder how much power the transmitter generates.

[docj]

Originally Posted by HDGoose

Interesting. I do have several questions around costs of equipment, band widths, numbers of users, etc...

I wonder how much power the transmitter generates.

I share all your concerns. The fact that Starlink "works" is great! But it in no way determines its cost-effectiveness for any particular group of users. No doubt it will be wonderful for some people and less so for others. Price (of service and hardware) and performance have yet to be determined.

[Camper25]

I signed up the first week, now I hope to have service by 2026.

[jwprosser]

From what I have heard and read about it ...

Currently in beta testing though out the US.
Cost - No announcement on the monthly charge or packages, Equipment will probably be in the 300.00 to 500.00 range.

Beta testing speeds - Currently some testers are seeing as high as 100 mbps down and 60 mbps up, most are seeing in the 35 - 65 mbps down and up with low latency.

From a tech standpoint with RV's this is a game changer. As a IT consultant and network engineer, this makes my life on the road much easier. I hope at some point he will have this as a active tracking dish. The monthly cost will probably be in line with most other services on the market. The goal is to get to 1 gb speeds very quickly.

[GypsyR]

I hadn't thought about it until just now but in such a situation where there is no cell service or landlines you could use VOIP and internet text services to stay in communication. Not something that occurred to me right off I'm sorry to say. Probably because I've had cell service for years and those two methods of communication are more popular with folks who have phones but no cell plans.

Whatever else Starlink might be good for I'm sure it absolutely rocks for these folks out trying to work where almost all other communications short of stuff like shortwave and satellite phones are out of commission.

[caryt]

Great news...sounds promising.
I signed up a mouth ago to be a beta tester..Hope I get picked.
I have to use wifi calling even at home and pay $65 for 22GBdn, 2GB up so looking forward to combine MH and home into one..bill.
May have to get 2 dishes to do that but that's fine.

[Jacjetlag]

The tech. for a mobile receiver shouldn't be a problem. Looks like it's using a relatively flat and shallow dish ....we (or SOMEBODY) just have to demonstrate enough demand for the market.