Staying connected with loved ones is essential during our extensive travels, and we’ve tried various means of communication over the years. Our journey began with the search for international payphones and evolved into utilizing local operators, SIM cards, and even a satellite phone that never saw the light of day. However, the absence of a reliable GSM cellular network has often left us feeling disconnected, especially in remote locations.
One particular incident occurred when we found ourselves stuck for five days at the Aral Sea in Uzbekistan. Unable to inform our family and friends, we realized the importance of having a dependable communication method.
Recently, we encountered technical difficulties with our truck near the picturesque Son Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan, facing a grueling 3-5 hour hike to reach cellular coverage.
Starlink mini for internet while overlanding
This situation prompted us to look for better options, and that’s when we discovered Starlink Mini Roam. Designed for overlanding, this compact device offers internet connectivity and works seamlessly with our Unimog’s 12 or 24 volts power supply, avoiding the need for inefficient voltage converters. Priced at €422, including tax and shipping, the subscription can be turned on and off as per our needs. To the Netherlands it was shipped from a German Starlink Warehouse.
We can still rely on local SIM cards for daily use and reserve Starlink Mini for emergencies, allowing us to stay connected throughout our journey.
The Starlink can be used with a normal 3.5 mm jack and 24 volts, perfect for us. We plug it straight into a 24 volt socket we made. The Starlink app shows it uses 20 Watt average, peak 25 Watt.
The mini is IP54 which means it is splash water and dust proof. It is not made to clean with a power cleaner.
Starlink Roam subscription for overlanders
We bought our Starlink from Starlink direct for euro 422,- incl VAT and shipping. and it arrived in the mail Netherlands within a week.
We signed up for the Roam 50GB subscription which costs euro 40,- / month. It works on land within the same continent as the registered shipping address as well as up to two months per trip on land or coastal waters anywhere there is active service coverage.
The rumor has it Starlink is not checking this, but they have the right to do so. A workaround could be to update our “home address” to our current continent. Unfortunately,
Kyrgyzstan is not yet supported, so we’ll have to keep searching for alternatives.
Coverage in middle Asia
As we traverse the breathtaking landscapes of Kyrgyzstan, our experience with Starlink Mini Roam has been limited but promising. We look forward to sharing more updates on our journey to stay connected in Middle Asia and welcome any tips or recommendations from fellow travelers.
At arrival in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan I setup the unit and within minutes an update was done and I had my first WhatsApp video call. It worked perfect, the speed test shows 145Mbps and latency 104ms. Later at Lake Song Kul the same results.
Other notes
The Stsrlink Mini dish is small and light. It makes a very light humming noice. So in a range of 3 meters I can hear it. Maybe if we mount it on the roof it is note audible.