Starlink to the rescue. Work anywhere you want!
For someone who has travelled extensively across Australia, reliable internet and phone coverage have always been a frustration of mine. Even in places where you'd expect decent reception, invariably you encounter black spots where you maybe have 1 bar.
During my three-month work/holiday trip across the top end of Australia last year, I encountered the harsh reality of very limited phone reception in remote areas. I mean it’s expected, if you look at the Telstra cell phone network map you’ll see that the top end has bugger all coverage.
https://www.telstra.com.au/coverage-networks/our-coverage
And they claim to reach 99% of all Australian’s…… a bit of mayo from the marketing department there!
It was frustrating to traverse vast stretches of land with only roads, cattle properties, and national parks, and find myself disconnected from the digital world due to the lack of phone signal. Ask my partner, she had to hear the same gripe everyday so she tells me.
According to a government report from Infrastructure Australia https://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/map/mobile-teleco... the state of mobile telecommunications coverage in regional and remote areas of Australia is a known challenge. The report highlights that there are significant gaps in coverage across the country, particularly in remote areas. These gaps contribute to the frustration and inconvenience experienced by travellers and residents alike.
One of the most unexpected challenges occurred in Broome, a major urban area where I assumed I would have no trouble with phone coverage. Unfortunately, the cell tower infrastructure was inadequate, and even with Telstra, a leading network provider, accessing the internet was nearly impossible. It was frustrating to be in a bustling town yet unable to use my mobile phone's internet until late at night. My partner, who runs her own online business, had to wait until 9 PM to work, just to avoid the congestion caused by the influx of "grey nomads" FaceTiming their grandkids.
In search of a solution, I stumbled upon Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite internet service. Initially, when I looked into it in July 2022, Starlink didn't cover northern Australia. However as of the begging of 2023, Starlink has expanded its coverage to include the entire continent.
Determined to overcome the connectivity challenges I faced during my trip, I wasted no time and invested in the Starlink system. Let me tell you, it is a ripper. In January, as my partner and I again travelled and worked in Tasmania, we experienced uninterrupted access to the internet in every corner of the island. The speeds were lightning fast, allowing us to stay connected at all times. Even in remote areas, the worst speed we encountered was over 20 Mbps, while at its peak, we reached speeds close to 200 Mbps.
As an alternative to traditional infrastructure, satellite-based services like Starlink has the potential to provide reliable connectivity in remote and underserved areas.
Starlink has not only transformed my personal travel experiences but has also become a crucial tool for my business. As someone who relies on a stable internet connection, Starlink has enabled me to establish reliable communication and data transfer regardless of my location. This capability has been invaluable in managing my operations efficiently and staying connected with different teams.
Living a remote work lifestyle has also become incredibly convenient with Starlink. It eliminates the worry and frustration of finding suitable phone coverage wherever I go. Whether I'm exploring the breathtaking beauty of Australia's remote areas or setting up a temporary office in a secluded spot, Starlink ensures that I have the reliable and fast internet connection I need to stay productive and connected to my clients, colleagues, and loved ones.
