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Starlink Allows Digital Nomads to Stay Connected in Even the Most Remote Areas

Technology + Gear Digital Nomad
by Olivia Harden Jun 15, 2022

Van life and RV life have had a significant surge in interest in recent years, and there are more resources than ever for digital nomads to live on the road. Staying connected for work, however, can be an issue. That’s where Starlink satellite internet comes in handy.

@goingfarther Starlink has been a game changer for remote work. #starlink #vanlife ♬ Sia – Xeptemper

Starlink is a project from Elon Musk that goes hand in hand with Space X. Cellphones and hotspots run on cell towers, so when those connections aren’t available you’re out of luck. Starlink runs on satellites, creating a high-speed, low-latency broadband internet that works in remote and rural locations.

Starlink was not originally meant to be a portable solution. But recently, the company has officially launched roaming with a subscription. The tech is not without its own problems and there are still going to be times when Starlink won’t work, of course. The satellite dish requires an unobstructed view of the sky, meaning if you plan on working in the woods, there’s a chance you won’t get good (or any) service. It also involves a lot of power, so you’ll need a powerful battery pack to use it. Lastly, Starlink is still working on getting all of its coverage areas up to date (you can find a map of where it currently operates here).

The flexibility that Starlink allows comes with a cost: $110 per month after paying a one-time hardware cost of $599, plus tack on another $25 per month if you plan to roam. But some digital nomads have said that having a Starlink subscription has actually saved them money. Plus there are few other options if you’re looking to be able to work no matter where your travels take you.

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