A couple of weeks ago, I spent some time in Cashiers, North Carolina, staying in a cozy rental cabin in the mountains. It was mostly a chance to unplug, get some rest, and enjoy being surrounded by nature. I didn’t plan to do any freelance work—just take a real break.
But while I was riding in the passenger seat on the drive home through the mountain passes, something kept catching my attention: my phone signal kept disappearing. Entire stretches of road had zero service. No data, no bars, no way to check in or be reached.
That’s when it hit me—not in a panicked way, but just a quiet realization:
If one of my elderly relatives had needed to reach me in an emergency, they probably couldn’t have.
And that stuck with me.
When “Offline” Isn’t Optional
There’s a lot of talk about work-from-anywhere culture. But for freelancers, small business owners, and remote workers—especially those living in or traveling to rural areas—the reality is more complicated.
Even if you’re not trying to be “always on,” sometimes you need to check in. Or someone needs to check on you.
And that’s where my thoughts started circling around Starlink.
Why Starlink Keeps Coming Up
I don’t use Starlink. I haven’t tested it or installed anything. But after this trip, I’ve been paying more attention to how people are using it—and why.
It’s satellite internet designed for places traditional providers don’t cover. And now they offer mobile and RV-ready setups, so you can take it on the road or use it from a remote base—like a cabin, a client site, or even an event location.
What’s compelling is how it’s already helping small business owners:
• A photographer uploading galleries from a remote Airbnb.
• A contractor running job-site logistics without needing cell service.
• A solo entrepreneur hosting client calls from the backwoods without missing a beat.
These aren’t corporate setups. They’re scrappy, real-world examples of people who just need solid internet where they are.
There Are Other Options, Too
If you’re exploring satellite internet, here are a few alternatives worth checking out:
• HughesNet – A long-running provider with wide rural coverage.
• Viasat – Offers plans tailored for small businesses and higher data caps.
• OneWeb – A growing satellite network focused on underserved areas.
• Amazon’s Project Kuiper – Not live yet, but a major player in development.
Each one has trade-offs depending on where you are, how mobile your work is, and how much data you use. But Starlink is the one I keep hearing about from regular folks who just need to stay connected reliably.
Why It’s on My Radar Now
I work with small business owners and creatives who want to simplify their tech and stay focused. That usually means better websites, workflows, and systems—but every now and then, it also means having a backup plan when the connection drops.
I’m not in a remote location all the time. But when I am, I want to be reachable. And I want others in my life to know they can reach me, too.
This wasn’t a productivity epiphany—it was just a quiet observation from the mountains. But I’m holding onto it. And I’m thinking more seriously about what it would take to keep my connection strong, wherever I happen to be.
Just Something Worth Sharing
This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s not a sponsored post. I’m just sharing something that felt worth reflecting on after getting away from it all—and realizing how fast “getting away” can turn into “getting cut off.”
Here’s my blog, if you want more like this
And here’s what I do for clients if you’re rethinking your digital setup.
If you’ve tried Starlink—or struggled with staying connected while running a business from a remote spot—I’d love to hear your story too.