Can I use the same Starlink hardware for both home and roaming?
Yes. The same Starlink dish and hardware can be used on both Residential and Roam plans. You don’t need to buy separate kits. However, you must switch between plans in your Starlink account depending on whether you’re at home or travelling.
What’s the difference between Residential and Roam plans?
Residential
- Best for: Fixed address, such as your home.
- Priority: Higher network priority, often delivering better speeds and reliability.
- Portability: You can enable the “Portability” option for occasional use outside your service address, but it isn’t intended for full-time travel.
Roam
- Best for: Travel, caravans, RVs, or setups without a permanent address.
- Flexibility: Works across the continent (or globally with specific Roam plans).
- Priority: Lower network priority, so speeds can slow during peak usage compared to Residential service.
How do I switch between Home and Roam?
You can change plans in your Starlink account portal. For example, you might switch to Roam when travelling and back to Residential when you return home. Billing changes typically take effect immediately or from the start of your next billing cycle.
What happens if I take my Starlink from home to use it for roaming?
If you move your only dish to travel, your home internet will go offline. This means:
- Security cameras stop recording to the cloud.
- Smart home devices (lights, heating, alarms, etc.) lose connectivity.
- Remote monitoring and control become unavailable.
For many households, this trade-off can cause significant inconvenience.
Is it practical to use one Starlink setup for both?
Technically yes, but there are drawbacks:
- A Standard Kit is designed to be powered from mains and is less convenient to pack up and move regularly.
- A Starlink Mini is lighter and portable, but using it full-time at home can be fiddly since it’s an all-in-one unit without the same flexibility as the Standard Kit.
- Constantly switching plans and moving hardware can be disruptive and time-consuming.
So, is it worth it?
While sharing one kit between Home and Roam can save some costs, the hassle of switching plans, downtime at your home, and the impracticalities of moving equipment often outweigh the savings. Many people find it simpler to maintain a Residential plan for home use and a separate Roam setup for travel.