In July 2015, commercial satellite gear provider Mobil Satellite Technologies announced the RVDataSAT 840 – a consumer-focused satellite internet terminal, designed specifically for RV roof mounting! They later released the RVDataSat 980 for 'serious bandwidth hogs'.
With the once-popular roof-mount MotoSAT system long gone from the market, the RVDataSAT is billed as "the only automatic satellite Internet antenna designed especially for consumers".
Mechanical Specifications:
- Model: RVDataSat 840
- Satellite Network: iDirect
- Stowed Dimensions: 48” L x 40” W x 12.5” H
- Mounted Weight: 93 lbs.
- Mounting Base: 22” W X 48” L
- Cost: $6,495 - RVDataSat 840 | $15,995 - RVDataSat 980 (plus installation)
The RV DataSAT 840 is a big dish (0.85 meters across) – and it takes up a substantial chunk of roof real estate.
When deployed it stands 42" high, potentially casting a serious shadow on any nearby solar panels.
It is expensive too when compared to tripod-based manually aimed satellite internet options, or even with the most expensive cellular or Wi-Fi gear.
But when compared to commercial-grade robotic satellite systems that cost well over $10,000 - the RVDataSAT 840 is actually a bargain.
The RVDataSat 980 is even larger and more expensive.
Service Plans
iDirect Access Plans
These plans are described this way:
"The iDirect Access plans are full-time, always on, un-metered service plans. These plans allow unlimited web surfing, email, and other common web applications. But, to maintain network quality for all users, applications like VoIP, video, Skype, Netflix, Hulu, and all of the other services that require a constant non-bursting stream of data to operate are given very low data rates and very low data packet priority within the network."
Here are the Access Plan speeds and prices:
These speeds may seem slow especially compared to HughesNet Gen5's up to 25mbps down, but considering that usage is unlimited they provide an interesting alternative.
Note: The RVDataSAT initially launched with an on-demand "Insta-Sat" service that allowed pay-as-you go data to be purchased by the gigabyte without a contract, monthly fee, or long term commitment. But that model is no longer available, even to existing customers.
RV Entertainment with NightShift Plans
These plans have the same daytime restrictions on streaming applications as the Access plans, but they have some special late night magic specifically for Netflix fans:
RV Entertainment service plans are for RV enthusiasts who regularly use Netflix for their video entertainment. The RV Entertainment plans are full-time, always-on satellite broadband plans that have a fixed monthly cost and include a late-nite "Free Zone", when Netflix movies and TV shows can be downloaded at full network speeds using NightShift. NightShift allows you to select content from Netfliix for download, then NightShift waits until your "Free Zone" period to download the content to your RVDataSat system's router, where it will then be available for your enjoyment at any later time.
The free zone is between midnight and 6AM eastern time, and during this time the blocks on streaming content are removed.
The key feature of these plans is that they come with a special WiFi router pre-configured with NightShift service that will download and buffer Netflix shows you've marked to watch during the overnight free time, letting you then actually watch them later at your leisure.
The RV Entertainment Plan costs $199/mo (with 1 year contract) for 2Mbps down and 256Kbps up unlimited service, or $329/mo for 4Mbps down and 512Kbps up speeds.
You can also add on a $24.95/month VOIP option, allowing you to use your satellite plan for voice calls in the US.
Keep this VOIP option in mind, because traditional Skype and FaceTime calls will likely not work well due to the daytime streaming limits in place.
Testing Status
We do not intend to obtain an RVDataSat to test first hand, due to our own lack of roof space for installation. But we are tracking several people who have purchased this setup, and who have shared with us their first hand experiences.
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Purchasing Options
More details on plans and options can be found here: www.rvdatasat.com
Dealers for the system include:
RV DataSat 840 Ratings
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Overall Ratings
Quick Take
The only current roof-mounted satellite broadband option for RVers is well worth a look for anyone seeking out the ultimate in go-anywhere convenience.