Leave a Comment
Winegard just rolled out a T-Mobile-powered unlimited 5G data plan aimed squarely at RVers. The headline is the price: $99 per month. It runs on Winegard’s newest 5G routers and includes pause-and-resume service, local Wi-Fi for up to 64 devices, and connectivity while you’re rolling. So does this knock Starlink off the top spot for mobile internet on the road, or do they serve different needs?
What Winegard is actually offering
Winegard’s “T-Mobile 5G Unlimited” is a month-to-month cellular plan delivered over T-Mobile’s 5G/4G LTE network. Winegard’s product page highlights quick setup, “about 15 minutes,” in-motion connectivity, support for up to 64 locally connected devices, and the ability to pause and resume service. Winegard also links out to T-Mobile’s coverage map and notes that speeds vary due to factors such as network prioritization.
Hardware you’ll need for Winegard
The plan is meant to run on Winegard’s latest 5G routers. Current list pricing on Winegard’s site shows:
- Basestation 5G indoor router: $799
- Gateway 5G ceiling-mount router for the Air 360+ 5G antenna: $799
- ConnecT 5G rooftop dome: $899
Winegard is also advertising a “get a free month” promo tied to qualifying 5G router purchases.
What Starlink Roam Unlimited Looks Like Today
Starlink sells a mobile-focused plan called Roam Unlimited at $165 per month. Starlink’s plan page labels it as “Unlimited Roam Data,” and its support article states that Roam Unlimited has no data cap. Hardware purchase is required to use Starlink; kit contents include the antenna, power supply, cables, base, and a Wi-Fi router. Pricing for hardware can vary by kit and region and is shown during ordering.
Key Differences
How “unlimited” is handled
- Winegard + T-Mobile: Marketed as unlimited on T-Mobile’s cellular network. Winegard notes that speeds vary due to factors that include data prioritization on the carrier network.
- Starlink Roam Unlimited: Starlink’s support docs state there is no data cap on Roam Unlimited.
Where they work
- Winegard + T-Mobile: Uses T-Mobile’s 5G/4G footprint in the U.S., with Winegard linking to T-Mobile’s coverage map.
- Starlink Roam: Uses satellite connectivity and is designed for mobile and portable use, such as camping and travel. A clear view of the sky is still required.
Using it on the move
- Winegard + T-Mobile: Winegard explicitly promotes “in-motion” internet on the plan page.
- Starlink Roam: Starlink markets Roam for on-the-go use; specifics on in-motion use depend on hardware and installation.
Cost Comparison at a Glance
| Item | Winegard + T-Mobile 5G Unlimited | Starlink Roam Unlimited |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly plan price | $99 | $165 |
| Upfront hardware | Winegard router required: Gateway 5G $799, Basestation 5G $799, or ConnecT 5G $899 | Starlink kit purchase required; includes antenna, power supply, cables, base, Wi-Fi router; price varies by kit and region |
| Pause or seasonal use | Pause/resume option | You must cancel and restart. There is a low data option for $5/month |
So, is this a “Starlink killer”?
Winegard’s $99 plan is a pretty good option for RVers traveling inside T-Mobile’s coverage who want an unlimited plan they can pause. The upfront hardware cost exists here too, but it is a different set of equipment and installation path than a satellite dish. Starlink still answers a different use case: connectivity in places where cellular coverage is thin or nonexistent. Personally, I don’t plan to switch away from Starlink to Winegard’s plan, but there might be cases where it makes sense for some.
Write a comment