Using 5G and Starlink for Remote Work on the Road

For remote workers and digital nomads traveling in RVs, reliable internet is a necessity. A recent real-world test conducted by Gunther Lotz and Kelly Stump, who travelled across the U.S. from Southern California to Southern Florida in their Airstream, provides valuable insights into the performance of Starlink vs. 5G when working remotely from campsites.

Real-Life Connectivity Test: Starlink vs. 5G vs. Smartphone

Gunther and Kelly, who needed a stable internet connection while camping and working remotely, tested three different connectivity options at a remote site:

  • Google Pixel phone on the Google Fi network (T-Mobile)
  • POYNTING MIMO-4 antenna with the InVehicle G710 LTE gateway
  • Starlink satellite internet

Speed Test Results

The POYNTING MIMO-4 with the InVehicle G710 LTE gateway significantly outperformed both Starlink and the smartphone, delivering the highest speeds for both downloads and uploads.

Another crucial factor for RV travellers is power consumption. The test found that:

  • POYNTING MIMO-4 with InVehicle G710: 13W max during a speed test
  • Starlink: 97W max during a speed test

Verdict: 5G with POYNTING is More Energy-Efficient

The POYNTING setup used significantly less power, making it a more energy-efficient choice for off-grid or solar-powered RV setups. Additionally, the InVehicle G710 LTE gateway enhances connectivity by providing a secure, high-speed Vehicle Area Network (VAN). This makes it ideal for mission-critical applications in police cars, ambulances, heavy equipment, and logistics, ensuring ubiquitous networking and uninterrupted monitoring.

Comparing Starlink and 5G for RV Internet

  • Coverage: Starlink provides internet access in remote areas with a clear sky, whereas 5G is more reliable in urban and suburban areas but depends on cell towers.
  • Speed & Performance: Starlink delivers moderate to high speeds but can slow with network congestion. 5G, with the POYNTING MIMO-4 and InVehicle G710, offers ultra-fast speeds with lower latency, ideal for streaming and gaming.
  • Cost: 5G generally has more budget-friendly plans, while Starlink requires additional hardware.
  • Power Usage: 5G routers consume much less power than Starlink, making them more efficient for RVers relying on solar or battery power.
Starlink POYNTING Trip Map
Starlink vs POYNTING Power usage
Starlink Speed Test
POYNTING Antenna Speed Test
Pixel 6 Video Test
Starlink VideoTest
POYNTING Antenna VideoTest
Pixel 6 Phone Speed
Inhand Router
POYNTING MIMO-4 in tent

Conclusion: Which is Best for RV Travelers?

The ideal choice depends on travel habits and connectivity needs:

  • For remote areas or off-grid boondocking: Starlink is the best choice due to its ability to work anywhere with a clear sky.
  • For urban/suburban travel: 5G with the POYNTING MIMO-4 and InVehicle G710 is a more cost-effective, energy-efficient, and high-speed option.
  • Best overall strategy: Many RV travellers combine both Starlink and 5G to ensure uninterrupted internet access, regardless of location.

For the best connectivity on the road, contact your nearest POYNTING Partner to find the ideal router and antenna solution for your specific needs.

Get expert advice and optimize your RV, marine, or remote work connectivity with POYNTING's industry-leading antenna technology.

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