Key Points
- Demonstrate the Starlink Mini’s portable satellite internet maintained stable, high-speed connectivity during a 246-mile family trip through remote Yellowstone, including cellular dead zones.
- Test and compare two rooftop mounts and power solutions, highlighting the SavageUTV mount’s tool-free design and the use of vehicle adapters and rechargeable batteries for off-grid power.
- Highlight user experiences emphasizing the need for portable power sources and theft precautions, with continuous internet achieved via dual-battery setups on extended remote travels.
On a chilly January morning in 2026, a family of four loaded up their Toyota Corolla in St. Anthony, Idaho, and set out on a 246-mile round trip to the iconic Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park. The journey, which wound through the picturesque landscapes of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, was more than just a scenic drive—it was a real-world test of how far satellite internet technology has come, and what it means for staying connected even in the most remote corners of the American wilderness.
The star of this experiment was the Starlink Mini, a compact, portable version of SpaceX’s well-known satellite internet system. Unlike its larger, residential sibling, the Starlink Mini is designed with mobility in mind. It fits neatly into a backpack and, when paired with Starlink’s Roam plan, can be used on the go—whether on an RV, a boat, or, as in this case, a family sedan. The goal was ambitious: maintain high-speed internet access throughout the journey, even in the notorious cellular dead zones deep within Yellowstone.
According to PCMag, the setup required a bit of ingenuity. The team tested two different rooftop mounts for the Mini: the Trio Mini Speed Mount ($150), a low-profile plastic frame held in place by powerful magnets, and the SavageUTV Starlink Mini Rooftop Mount ($249.95), a sturdier metal version with integrated handles and a more aerodynamic design. Both mounts used magnetic feet to anchor securely to the car’s roof, but the SavageUTV mount stood out for its ease of use and tool-free design—a feature that proved invaluable when switching the Mini in and out during multiple stops.
Powering the Starlink Mini off-grid was another challenge. The solution came in the form of a Trio 15-foot 12V vehicle power adapter ($35), which plugged into the car’s cigarette lighter port, and a SavageUTV Starlink Mini Dewalt Kit ($129.95) that allowed the Mini to run off standard rechargeable drill batteries. This setup meant the family could have Wi-Fi not only while driving but also during stops in the heart of Yellowstone, far from any power outlets. A $22.95 SavageUTV window pass-through made it possible to snake the cable into the car without letting in the cold wind—a small but crucial comfort on a long winter drive.
As the Corolla rolled into the park and cell phone bars disappeared, the Starlink Mini kept humming along. The connection remained stable at highway speeds up to 80 mph, and even dense pine forests and canyon walls couldn’t faze the satellite link. The kids streamed Netflix, the parents listened to music, and everyone enjoyed the peace of mind that comes with staying connected, even in the deadest of dead zones. At one point, a speed test in the Old Faithful parking lot delivered an impressive 308 Mbps down and 28 Mbps up—speeds that rival many home fiber connections.
But the journey wasn’t just about gadgets and numbers. Along the way, the family met another traveler, Elliot, who had taken the Starlink Mini’s portability to the next level with a dual-battery DeWalt setup. This allowed him to hot-swap batteries and maintain continuous internet access while traveling across remote areas in Canada and the US, including Alaska. As Elliot recounted, “A coworker had asked where he got his high-resolution ‘nature background.’ He pointed to the river and mountains behind him and replied, ‘It’s not a background. I’m actually here.'” (PCMag)
The experience highlighted some important lessons for digital nomads and road warriors alike. Tool-free mounts, like the SavageUTV option, made setup and teardown a breeze—no more fumbling for an Allen wrench at every stop. Relying solely on the car’s battery for power, however, proved limiting; every time the ignition was off, so was the internet. For those who need true independence, a portable power source is essential. And while the Starlink Mini’s portability is a major advantage, it also makes the device vulnerable to theft, especially when using a magnetic mount. Locking it away during rest stops became a necessary precaution.
Perhaps the most surprising takeaway was just how transformative in-motion satellite internet can be for family travel. Long, boring stretches of road—normally a recipe for cranky kids and frazzled parents—became opportunities for entertainment and quiet productivity. The passenger seat, once just a place to nap or stare out the window, was now a fully functional mobile office. And when the family finally reached Old Faithful, they found themselves with the only fast connection in the area, able to work, upload photos, and keep everyone entertained while other tourists struggled to send a single text message.
This kind of connectivity, once the stuff of science fiction, is now a reality for millions. Starlink, operated by SpaceX, currently provides high-speed internet through a constellation of over 9,000 low-Earth orbit satellites, serving more than 9 million users across 150 countries. However, the service is not officially available in Russia—a gap that Moscow now seeks to fill with its own answer to Starlink.
As reported by MENAFN, Russia is preparing to launch Rassvet (meaning “dawn”), its own satellite internet network. Rassvet aims to deploy over 300 satellites, with full operational capability expected by 2027 and serial production of user terminals beginning before the end of 2026. The system is designed to provide global connectivity, especially targeting regions not served by terrestrial networks. Sergey Boyarsky, head of the Russian parliament’s information policy committee, described the project as a “qualitative leap” in communications for Russia’s remote regions, with plans to extend Rassvet access to allied countries as well.
The timing is no coincidence. Starlink has played a critical role in Ukraine since 2022, supporting military coordination, surveillance, and drone operations. Ukraine has received more than 50,000 Starlink terminals, and Elon Musk himself has called Starlink “the backbone of the Ukrainian army,” warning that “their entire front line would collapse if I turned it off.” (MENAFN)
Russia’s move to develop its own satellite internet system reflects both technological ambition and strategic necessity. With Starlink unavailable within its borders and increasingly vital in global conflicts, the drive to achieve independent, secure, and far-reaching connectivity has become a national priority. Meanwhile, for everyday users—whether families on road trips, remote workers, or adventure seekers—the rise of portable satellite internet is changing the way we travel, work, and experience the world.
With Rassvet on the horizon and Starlink continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible, the age of global, mobile connectivity has truly dawned. The next time you find yourself in a place where cell service fails, don’t be surprised if someone nearby is streaming, working, or video-calling from the middle of nowhere—thanks to a dish on the roof and a sky full of satellites.
