Starlink in Abacos

[Jwatson]

I plan on being in Guana Cay, Abacos the month of June and will need internet. Cruisers on many forums say that Starlink works great in the Abacos. I am interested in any advice and feedback from those who have used Starlink in the Bahamas. Two version of antennas are available, the Standard and mobile for RVs. Any recommendations on which to use? Thanks!

 

[Pascal]

We ve been using starlink fixed RV since July but haven’t been to the Bahamas since. Everybody I talked to say SL works great thru out the Bahamas.

The in motion antenna is more $ (monthly cost is the same) but works underway whereas the fixed RV cuts out around 9kts. Not because it can’t get a signal but because the built in gps sense the speed and disconnects

We re going to upgrade to the in motion antenna

 

[Fanfare]

I just spoke to the boat next to us who has Starlink. He said it works fine in the Bahamas. As to antennas he said the cheaper antenna only gives only two months out of the country before cutting you off. The more expensive option lets you stay connected. He also said getting the RV option was more readily available for purchase.

My experiences with Batelco have uniformly been horrible.

 

[PJT]

What’s the difference?
In-motion needed for under-way operations?
Any work arounds?

Immediately access unlimited high-speed, low-latency internet on an as-needed basis at any destination where Starlink provides active coverage. $135/mo with a one-time cost of $599 for portable hardware or $2,500 for in-motion hardware.

[FONT=DIN_Regular]Immediately access unlimited high-speed, low-latency internet on an as-needed basis at any destination where Starlink provides [/FONT]​

active coverage

[FONT=DIN_Regular]. $135/mo with a one-time cost of $599 for portable hardware or $2,500 for in-motion hardware.[/FONT]​

 

[Pascal]

The basic RV antenna shuts down once it detects the boat is going over about 10kts.
The In Motion antenna doesn’t and works while underway at higher speeds.

So far, from what I have seen on the Starlink on boats FB, they don’t seem to enforce the 2 months out the country rule.

As mentioned, I m going to upgrade the original RV antenna to in motion on the 116 so we don’t loose signal underway.

 

[BJones]

Not an expert but as I understand it the RV In Motion has a much bigger dish (nearly twice the area?) that "sees) a wider portion of the sky and consequently more SL satellites which makes it easier to keep a signal. In short, RV In Motion is much better for boats. On top of that boats are specifically allowed in the user agreement. Go for it.

 

[Pascal]

Starlink just announced a price hike on monthly RV/In Motion service to $150 a month and a decrease for fixed residential service in areas were service is available. Residential service wait list area remains the same

 

[northshoreone]

I have the wait list service in NC and it went up $10 a month that’s the second increase in less than a year. But it does work and I don’t have a choice there!