SpaceX plans on bringing its Starlink system directly to recreational vehicles through a partnership with Thor Industries, a major provider of RVs.
Thor Industries says it's the first RV provider to work with SpaceX on integrating Starlink's satellite internet system. The company plans on adopting the pricey high-performance Starlink dish on select RV models offered this year.
“Flat high-performance Starlinks will initially be available as optional equipment in select motorized RVs manufactured by four Thor companies: Airstream, Entegra Coach, Jayco and Tiffin,” Thor Industries says.
SpaceX has already been offering Starlink RV to address the recreational vehicle market. But the standard Starlink RV service, which costs $599 for the hardware, is only officially designed for stationary use. Meanwhile, the more expensive flat high-performance dish costs $2,500 for the hardware and is meant for “in-motion” use on a vehicle while it’s on the road.
The partnership with Thor Industries offers a way for SpaceX to sell more pricey Starlink dishes to high-end buyers. Thor RVs can range from $100,000 to around $1 million.
Of course, customers could buy the Starlink access separate from the RVs. But Thor says buyers will have the benefit of their Starlink dish being “factory installed” while receiving a “one-month service credit” when Starlink RV costs $135 per month for the internet access. In return, Starlink RV users can expect to receive download speeds ranging from 5 to 50Mbps at a time when the satellite internet service is facing congestion woes and SpaceX is preparing to implement a high-speed data cap for the satellite internet service.
The news arrives months after Winegard, a provider of antenna equipment to RV makers, also entered into a partnership with SpaceX to sell flat high-performance Starlink dishes. In addition, cruise line operators and airlines have been adopting Starlink for in-flight and on-ship internet access.