Starlink Enabled Remote Work Anywhere—Now I’m Seeking a New Adventure
This is a deep dive into the evolving landscape of satellite internet, focusing on the game-changing impact of Starlink. For those interested in the future of remote work and connectivity, this is a must-read.
How it started
I’ve been working remotely for two decades, and during that time, I’ve witnessed significant advancements in technology that support this lifestyle. However, nothing has revolutionized my ability to work from anywhere quite like Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service. It allows me to set up my office wherever I want—whether that’s on a scenic road trip, in a tranquil forest, or on a secluded beach.
Starlink began launching its satellites in 2019 to fill the gaps left by traditional broadband and mobile networks. It has since established a stronghold on high-speed, low-latency internet that can be deployed almost anywhere—on land, at sea, or in the air, even in disaster-stricken areas. While other satellite internet services are emerging, only Amazon’s Leo (formerly Project Kuiper) seems poised to become a serious contender, having recently launched its service for enterprise customers.
Starlink, like Leo, operates through a vast network of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), unlike the geostationary satellites used by services like Viasat and Hughesnet, which simply can’t compete. Starlink user terminals, or dishes, connect to satellites zipping by at 17,000 mph, positioned about 350 miles above the Earth. Ground stations manage the data flow between the satellites and the internet.
By May 2021, Starlink had around 1,500 satellites in orbit, allowing for initial tests in the northern US. However, the experience was less than stellar, with reports of unreliability and issues caused by even minor obstructions like trees.
Fast forward a year, and my experience testing what was then called “Starlink RV” from a camper van in Western Europe was vastly improved. The service was fast and reliable, especially compared to the 4G and 5G networks in the remote areas I frequent. Unlike earlier tests, I was using a more advanced dish connected to a larger constellation of about 2,400 satellites, and I could easily relocate my setup if trees blocked my signal.
Impressed by the performance, I subscribed to Starlink and eventually bought a van to pursue my vanlife dreams. At that time, Elon Musk was known for his controversial statements but hadn’t fully revealed his more polarizing side.
Today, SpaceX has launched over 10,000 Starlink satellites, with around 9,000 currently operational. This density allows user terminals to maintain connections even when partially obstructed by buildings or trees. According to SpaceX, users in the US can now see “tens of satellites,” enabling quick switches to those with an unobstructed path. These seamless transitions happen multiple times a minute, ensuring a stable connection.
Performance can vary based on the dish, service level, time of day, and user location. Latency ranges from 20ms to 50ms (suitable for online gaming), with download speeds between 100Mbps and 400Mbps (comparable to home broadband) and upload speeds from 10Mbps to 40Mbps (enough for two people to video conference simultaneously).
This robust internet service has allowed me to work about a third of the year from a surf shack on the North Sea and another third from my van while exploring Europe, giving me the work-life balance I’ve always wanted.
However, my monthly service fee recently increased for the first time, and Starlink removed the popular pause feature. Seasonal users now have to cancel their subscriptions and reapply, with no guarantee of availability. This change raises concerns about potential activation fees in the future.
The service clearly needs competition to prevent SpaceX from taking advantage of users with limited options, whether they are part-time digital nomads like me, rural residents, or those in remote areas. Like many Starlink subscribers, I would prefer to move away from my reliance on Musk.
How it’s going
Amazon has recently rolled out its Leo space internet service as an “enterprise preview” for select corporate clients, with a broader launch expected in 2026. However, it won’t be able to compete with Starlink until its satellite constellation reaches a sufficient size.
Unlike SpaceX, which manages all Starlink launches, Amazon has partnered with various launch providers for Leo, including SpaceX. Currently, Leo has only 153 satellites in orbit since its deployment began in April, while SpaceX has added over 1,500 new Starlink satellites in the same timeframe, with new ones being launched weekly.
SpaceX has received FCC approval for up to 12,000 Starlink satellites, with a long-term goal of 42,000. In contrast, Amazon has approval for 3,236 Leo satellites, which could take a decade to deploy at the current pace. However, deployments may speed up in 2026 when Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket becomes operational.
Leo is promising speeds of up to 1Gbps, a benchmark Starlink can’t match until its larger Starship rocket is operational. While Amazon hasn’t disclosed pricing yet, it’s likely that they will undercut Starlink’s monthly fees, especially if they bundle the service with Prime memberships.
Starlink’s pricing structure has become increasingly complex, with costs varying based on location, dish and router choices, and data needs. The US market is particularly expensive due to high demand, especially in rural areas with little competition. Conversely, the same satellites that cover the US also pass over my home in the Netherlands, where there’s ample capacity. SpaceX must keep prices competitive to attract customers who already have access to affordable broadband.
In the US, the Standard Residential kit costs $349, with a monthly fee of $120. In the Netherlands, the hardware is similarly priced, but the monthly fee is less than half at €50 (around $58). In major markets, Starlink hardware can even be free with a 12-month contract. Recently, SpaceX introduced a rental option for the hardware, which must be returned later.
I paid €299 (about $315) for my Starlink Mini dish and €89 (about $103) monthly for unlimited data across Europe. In the US, that same service costs $599 for the dish and $165 monthly. Starlink claims to have over 8 million active customers worldwide. Hopefully, Leo will introduce much-needed competition to lower prices and provide an alternative for those looking to distance themselves from Musk.
What happens next
In addition to Amazon’s Leo, several private and government-backed initiatives are vying to compete with Starlink.
The Eutelsat OneWeb constellation, consisting of around 650 satellites, has been operational in low Earth orbit for years but does not sell directly to consumers. While there are discussions about its potential to compete with Starlink, they often remain just that—talk. Similarly, China’s Spacesail Constellation (Qianfan/G60) has only launched 108 of the 648 satellites it aimed to deploy by the end of 2025. Operational challenges and a lack of reusable launch vehicles have hindered its progress toward a planned 15,000-satellite constellation by 2030.
Europe’s IRIS² constellation is also in development, with plans to launch 290 satellites into LEO (plus 18 in medium Earth orbit) by 2030. However, this service is expected to be limited to EU citizens, businesses, and government entities.
The increasing number of satellites in similar orbits has raised concerns among astronomers about light pollution and the risks of overcrowding in space. While these issues are being addressed, they are far from resolved.
As we approach 2026, Amazon’s Leo service appears to be the best near-term option for consumers seeking to break free from their reliance on Musk. However, it will take a few more years for Leo to develop into a viable competitor to Starlink. With no immediate alternatives, I’ve opted for what I call an “ethical offset tax” by donating to the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH). Musk’s disdain for the CCDH helps me feel better about my choices, no matter where I find myself working.
By the way
* Starlink satellites have a lifespan of about five years before they are intentionally de-orbited to burn up in the atmosphere. Of the over 10,000 launched, around 1,400 have been decommissioned.
* With one month left, 2025 is already a record year for SpaceX, averaging a Falcon 9 rocket launch every two days, most of which carry dozens of Starlink satellites. Starlink is expected to end the year with about 2,500 new satellites in its constellation, up from the 1,700–1,900 deployed in each of the last three years.
* More powerful third-generation Starlink satellites are anticipated to enter service in 2026, promising reduced latency and gigabit speeds for subscribers. However, SpaceX must first establish an operational launch cadence for Starship to deliver these larger satellites into LEO.
