FYI Peplink's new BR1 Pro 5G with x65 5G chip

[Neal]

 

[turbopilot]

It seems to me the era of the cellular modems is drawing to a close. With the current and new versions of Starlink, cellular communications will become less and less relevant for fixed and mobile data needs.

With TOAD or tow vehicle based Starlink and recent improvements in obstruction handling, I am finding it increasingly rare not to get a good download connection with Starlink. Major obstructions? Just move the TOAD or tow vehicle to a new location and WiFi as WAN back to the RV. You only need a router with a good WiFi antenna on the TOAD or tow vehicle for that functionality. Power can be supplied via a portable power station on the TOAD or tow vehicle.

 

[Neal]

Not for me. Cellular is primary. 2 out of 3 locations on last trip were SL unusable due to obstructions. SL is my backup only activated when needed. I have two unlimited plans and one 100 GB plan. Two of those are 5G.

 

[turbopilot]

2 out of 3 locations on last trip were SL unusable due to obstructions.

I can see that if you limit your Starlink mount to a fixed location on top of an RV. When necessary I have been able to move the tow vehicle, sometimes no more than 10 or 20 feet from a pad to get a good connection. With the new Starlink beam switching changes I have seen a significant increase in the ability to maintain a consistent stream with a very small hole in the canopy. This will continue to improve as the Starlink constellation builds out. There are currently 8,600 satellites with a short term goal of 12,000 and a long term goal of 42,000. The more satellites the smaller the hole you need in the canopy.

But more importantly the new "beam switching" technology by Starlink just started two months ago. If you have not tried it with obstructions since it started you will be surprised at the difference.

 

[Neal]

True I could relocate the antenna. I have that option. But it comes down to geography too such as more forested east vs out west. One of my locations was deep in the forest which I prefer. Cellular works very well for me. And half the cost. But yeah for most SL is probably the answer now unless internet is critical to you as it is for me.

 

[turbopilot]

True I could relocate the antenna. I have that option. But it comes down to geography too such as more forested east vs out west. One of my locations was deep in the forest which I prefer. Cellular works very well for me. And half the cost. But yeah for most SL is probably the answer now unless internet is critical to you as it is for me.

Two examples of the impact of beam switching that started in August. I did the setup for my tow vehicle Starlink in my garage early in the Summer. When I completed the setup and turned it on, of course I did not get any internet in the garage with the door open. Since September sitting in the same garage Starlink will now go online with the tow vehicle in the garage just looking a small slice of sky through the open door.

Second example. Every few months we drive round trip with the tow vehicle (no trailer) 300 miles between Prescott, AZ and La Quinta, California. My wife likes to watch Netflix for the 5 hour trip. Before beam switching we would get pauses in the stream. Since August we can now drive the entire distance without any interruptions in the video stream, including passing under overpasses and moving through narrow mountain valleys in Arizona.

Of course it will not work with a dense, 100% canopy like you find in the East. But out West where cellular towers are further apart and some large areas still don't have cellular service, Starlink has now totally replaced cellular modems for me.