The world's largest manufacturer of RVs is partnering with Starlink to bring internet connectivity to more people as they travel to remote locations. Here is a look at the latest from Starlink and how the unit of Elon Musk s SpaceX is disrupting land, sea and air.
What Happened: Leading RV manufacturer Thor Industries THO announced a partnership with SpaceX-owned Starlink to add the internet connectivity system to select RVs. The news came around a month after Thor Industries reported quarterly financial results.
Thor will integrate Starlink inside select RVs that will provide high-speed, low-latency internet in the vehicles, even when it is in motion.
Starting in 2023, the Starlink option will be available in select RVs. Thor is the first RV original equipment manufacturer to work directly with Starlink.
The Thor lineup of RVs includes popular brands like Airstream, Entegra, Jayco, Tiffin, Dutchmen, Heartland and Thor Motor Coach.
Starlink will give RV owners reliable internet connectivity, including in remote areas. According to a study conducted by Thor RV owners in the U.S. and Canada, 74% of respondents said high-speed internet and Wi-Fi were very important when considering which RV to purchase.
Thor Industries CEO Bob Martin said that the agreement is a big step towards providing a constant internet connection for RVers everywhere. Whether for work, staying in touch with family and friends or streaming entertainment, a reliable internet connection is a must have for today s RVer. Airbnb Faces Occupancy Headwinds And This RV Manufacturer Just Smashed Earnings Estimates
Why It is Important: Starlink has become one of the most important units of SpaceX, a space exploration company founded by Elon Musk. SpaceX was valued at $140 billion.
Starlink offers internet connectivity in areas of the world that are experiencing war, such as Ukraine, and also to remote locations like Antarctica, which have limited internet options.
Starlink has expanded its offerings through partnerships with leading airlines and also cruise ships and sea vessels. Starlink is now able to connect users across land, sea and air through a partnership, and could become one of the leading internet providers around the world.
Starlink has announced partners and the internet service could replace the currently available in-flight WiFi options in the air.
Cruise ships could be the other big area that will use Starlink for internet during times at sea. In August 2022, Royal Caribbean RCL announced that Starlink would be installed on many of its cruise ships and most new vessels.
The partnership for Thor could be a way for Starlink to differentiate its offerings from competitors, with high-speed internet going from a luxury to something more people are thinking about as a necessity on long camping trips.
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