It’s a very simple system to provide users with satellite-based, high-speed internet connectivity. You purchase the hardware kit (currently $599) which includes everything you need to connect to the internet — the Starlink satellite dish, wi-fi router, power supply, cables and base.

One of the advantages of Starlink is its simplicity. The dish comes with a base which you can sit on the ground, on top of your vehicle, on a table or wherever — but it does need clear, unobstructed access to the sky.

If you are camped in a treed area, this can be problematic, and it will affect Starlink’s performance.

However, the cable is 15 metres long so you can move the dish to the most suitable location. If you have your dish sitting on the ground, you’ll have to be aware of nearby vehicles and, depending on where you’re camping, you might want to bring it inside while you’re away from camp for security reasons.

My partner rigged up a stand for our dish with an extendable pool pole from Bunnings which is secured inside the front toolbox of our van, so it stays up the entire time we are camped.

In terms of power consumption, the router does need 240V power which is a consideration for those who like to get off-grid and free camp. It doesn’t draw much power though — about 50W — so even a small inverter will be enough to keep it going from your batteries.

Connecting to the network involves downloading the Starlink app which allows you to customise settings, receive updates, access support and see real-time performance data such as download speed, latency and uptime. It will also tell you how many devices are connected and whether there are any obstructions, among other things.

So, arrive at camp, set it up (it really only takes a few minutes) and you have immediate access to high-speed, low-latency internet on an as-needed basis at any destination where Starlink provides active coverage. And that coverage is pretty wide, even in the most remote areas of the country.

It means data has a shorter distance to travel which means quicker download speeds, so online services such as video conferencing should in theory feel less laggy and it’s true — I’ve experienced sharper Zoom calls from outback Queensland than suburban Melbourne on the NBN.

There are plans to deploy more than 12,000 small satellites with a possible later extension to 42,000 (according to Wikipedia) so it must be getting pretty crowded up there. In May 2023, there were 1.5 million subscribers.

Starlink offers various plans but for travellers, the roam or portable option at $174 per month on top of the hardware is a great option. Plans can be paused when not in use with billing in monthly increments.

For those who like to have the internet while they are travelling, the in-motion package is designed for a permanent installation on your vehicle and is resilient in harsh environments. With a wide field of view and enhanced GPS capabilities, the Flat High Performance Starlink can connect to more satellites, allowing for consistent connectivity on the go.

The mobile-on-vehicle hardware costs start at $399 per month with a one-time hardware fee of $3740. Installation on your vehicle is an additional cost. There are also Starlink packages for business and residential purposes.

Anyone who has travelled recently will attest to the increasing popularity of Starlink.

Pull into any caravan park or campground and you will see a handful, if not more, of dishes pointed to the southern sky.