Some retailers are installing SpaceX’s Starlink internet modules into vehicles for customers that absolutely must stay connected.
We know of about a dozen retailers who have installed a Starlink Mini, a portable version of Starlink that can fit in a backpack. It provides high speed internet plus WiFi. It’s a tiny niche market, but one with growth potential as prices on the satellite receivers decline and awareness grows.
Retailers are installing Starlink Minis in Sprinter vans, RVs and executive vehicles. The consumer buys the device, which is sold online or via outlets including Home Depot, West Marine and Best Buy.
The price of the satellite receiver has dropped by more than half in the past two years. In mid 2024 it carried a tag of $599 and now sells on promotion at $199 or $249. Service fees are listed by Starlink as $50/month for 100GB of roaming data and $165/month for unlimited access.
The install requires a means of securing the device to a roof, (a roof rack makes it easier) and running wires into the vehicle. The job takes about 2.5 to 4 hours, according to various retailer estimates.
Auburn Car Tunes, CA said the biggest issue is installing Starlink on top of the roof as the shop doesn’t want to be responsible for leaks. “Most of the time we try to get it on a roof rack, or if we install it on the roof, we are very careful and seal it really well,” said a shop spokesman.
The Starlink Mini comes with kits with wires for power and signal and for a controller module in the front seat.
Perzan Auto Radio, PA has installed about 4 to 6 of the Starlinks. It has converted a couple of KVH Tracvision satellite TV set ups in RVs to Starlink. Said Erik Wasserstein, “There’s a lot of frustration with Tracvision satellite TV. It’s very finicky with the signal and the ability to stream video for TVs. In a limousine or mobile executive office, Starlink is a game changer. You put the thing on the roof and you get internet anywhere well over 10Mbps per second.”
He said the install is relatively simple. “It depends on what kind of obstacles there are in getting it on the roof and getting the cable in the vehicle. Generally, what I found is that we think its going to be complicated, but ultimately we find a way to get the cable in the car. We do it at $1,200 to $1,500 and up. The customer goes on to Starlink and orders the unit and picks the service. There’s no way to resell it.”
Kyle Kaulis of Real Audio and Electronics, PA has installed about 4 units but believes the category will grow. Most people don’t know Starlink is an option for their camper or RV, he said. “Once we bring it up, they say ‘yeah, it’s a great idea.’ It makes traveling easier because they are not relying on a hotspot. We’re doing one as we speak on a Mercedes Sprinter.”
Ultra high end car audio/automotive restoration shop AI Design, NY installs Starlink typically for executives that are chauffeured around. It’s often installed with a cellular modem so there is redundancy to never be offline. AI usually offers it as part of a suite of products that includes cellphone boosters. AI Design makes its own brackets and paints them black.
Are there any downsides to Starlink? Kaulis says it’s really just the monthly fees, although many customers with RVs and limousines can afford it.
As an aside, SpaceX is reportedly looking to expand Starlink into new markets including a possible smartphone-like device.
Photo: Veritas Vans
My shop has installed dozens of Starlink minis for Oilfield workers. They turn on Wi-Fi calling, and have both unlimited range for calls, and data for work laptops. Now the cellular booster sales have fallen off a cliff, so we will be stocking less boosters.