Reliable internet access is no longer solely confined to homes and offices.
From RVs and boats to vans and passenger vehicles, more Americans are taking their connectivity with them.
But while stationary Starlink has made off-grid internet possible, mobile Starlink has changed how people work, travel, and stay safe on the move.
In order to understand how mobile Starlink users rely on connectivity, TRIO Flatmount surveyed users and asked them where they’re using Starlink, and why off-grid connectivity matters.
The results reveal that internet access isn’t a convenience. It’s critical.
Below, we break down why connectivity matters off-grid, where people are using mobile Starlink, and why simplicity and risk reduction drive purchasing decisions.
Key Findings
- Nearly half of respondents say they rely on mobile internet for remote work or income.
- More than 1 in 10 depend on it for safety, emergency preparedness, or staying connected to family and friends.
- More than 60% say TRIO is the simplest solution for their setup, and nearly one in three say protecting their tech investment is a key reason they chose the product.
- 85% say price was not the primary factor in their decision.
Why Connectivity Matters Off-Grid
For many mobile Starlink users, off-grid connectivity supports much more than streaming or convenience.
Nearly 50% of respondents say they rely on internet access for remote work and income, which means reliability is essential to their livelihood. Another 16% depend on connectivity for safety and emergency preparedness, particularly when traveling in remote or unpredictable environments. An additional 18% say staying connected to family and friends is their primary motivation.
Overall, the survey shows that mobile internet plays a crucial role in how people live, work, and travel off-grid, often with real consequences if connectivity fails.
Where Mobile Starlink is Being Used
Mobile Starlink is used across a wide range of vehicles as well as lifestyles.
More than one-third of respondents (37%) primarily use their setup on an RV, followed by boats and marine vessels (15%), van builds (11%), and passenger vehicles (10%). Others report using mobile Starlink in expedition vehicles, work trucks, cabins, agricultural equipment, and emergency response scenarios.
This variety highlights a key mindset shift in that mobile connectivity is no longer limited to niche adventurers, but instead it’s becoming a practical tool across both everyday and professional uses.
Where Starlink Users Are Located
A majority of mobile Starlink users are located in the western and southern United States, with additional users in the Midwest and Northeast, based on self-reported survey responses.
Interestingly, roughly one-quarter of respondents live outside the U.S., including Canada, Australia, Europe, or at sea, which highlights the global nature of off-grid connectivity.
This geographic spread shows mobile Starlink is not a regional trend, but a growing response to how and where people choose to live and work.
Why Staying Connected is About More Than Internet
While Starlink solves the problem of internet access, survey responses show that Starlink users are focused on keeping their setup secure, usable, and worry-free while on the move.
When asked what they were trying to solve, respondents frequently stated the need for a secure mount that doesn’t require drilling, permanent installation, or DIY engineering. Many respondents also noted highway safety, wind resistance, and protecting expensive equipment from damage as top priorities.
Overall, users aren’t just buying connectivity, they’re also buying certainty as well.
More than 60% say TRIO is the simplest solution for their needs, while more than one-quarter (27%) view it as protection for their tech investment. Meanwhile, price plays a secondary role, with 85% saying it was not the primary factor in their decision.
Why Confidence Grows After Installation
When it comes to installation, durability and simplicity are key for users.
Over 80% of respondents say they installed their mount themselves. According to respondents, customer satisfaction increases after the first month of use, which is a clear sign that confidence grows once customers experience the system on the road and in real-world conditions.
The confidence is also reflected in customer stories describing extreme weather, long-distance travel, and high-speed driving.
Mobile Starlink has made always-on internet possible far from traditional infrastructure. For people working, traveling, or living off-grid, staying connected isn’t optional, it’s essential.
Methodology
TRIO Flatmount surveyed 576 customers between December 3 and December 12, 2025. Respondents included previous TRIO customers and the survey explored how they use mobile Starlink, why connectivity matters, and what factors influence their purchasing decisions. Responses were self-reported and may be subject to recall or response bias.
