TRAVEL SMARTER
The advent of the Starlink satellite internet service is making even the farthest reaches of the dive world more accessible. It is now fairly common for liveaboards and remote resorts to have a Starlink system, making internet Wi-Fi access the norm rather than the exception.
Launched by SpaceX in 2019, Starlink has a constellation of about 10,400 satellites operating in low Earth orbit (LEO) about 342 miles (550 kilometers) high. By orbiting near the Earth’s atmosphere, the system provides lower latency and data time between user and satellite — as compared with a single geostationary satellite that might be more than 22,000 miles (35,405 km) high — thereby enhancing streaming and Wi-Fi communications.
The big advantage to users — more than 12 million people in 160 countries and territories — is cost. With a variety of hardware kits and service plans available, the Starlink infrastructure is generally affordable to most dive hospitality businesses.
Connectivity has many advantages, such as the ability to stay in touch with loved ones, conduct business, and post photos to social media from the boat or resort. But it also perpetuates our dependence on mobile devices and perhaps isolates us to a degree from our travel companions.
Remote Wi-Fi will continue to become more accessible as Amazon and other competitors enter the fray. At least we can take comfort in knowing that once we do our giant stride, our connectivity is primarily environmental rather than electronic.
© Alert Diver – Q3 2026