KEY POINTS
- NBN Sky Muster and Starlink are the two main providers of satellite internet plans in Australia.
- NBN Sky Muster satellite plans include unlimited data and speeds up to 100Mbps, and are available from a handful of NBN providers.
- Starlink’s speeds are faster but plans typically have higher setup and ongoing costs, and are only available for residential customers directly from Starlink or through Telstra.
On this page:
What is satellite internet?
Satellite internet is a type of internet connection that uses satellites to transmit data, as opposed to cables or wires. This connection type is typically used for customers in regional and remote communities that would otherwise be unable to access the internet.
Due to the nature of the satellite signal, the speed of downloads and uploads are generally slower than what you would expect from a wired connection, because there is further distance to travel. However, depending on your plan and provider, you can achieve speeds on par with or faster than standard fixed-line NBN.
In Australia, there are currently two main satellite internet systems to choose from: NBN Sky Muster and Starlink. However, NBN Co has partnered with Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellite service as a Sky Muster replacement, with coverage likely to begin rolling out mid-2026.
NBN satellite internet
Sky Muster is the name of the two satellites operated by NBN Co that facilitate internet connections for customers in regional and remote areas. You will typically have a choice between two plan types: the standard plan, and Sky Muster Plus Premium.
Sky Muster’s standard plans include a limited data allowance per month. Once this data cap is reached, your speeds are slowed for the remainder of your billing cycle.
Heavier data users can upgrade to NBN Co’s Sky Muster Plus Premium plans, which come with unlimited data and faster speeds. These plans offer speeds of up to 50 megabits per second (Mbps) or 100Mbps, plus no restrictions on data use.
As mentioned above, NBN Co plans to transition customers to Amazon’s Project Kuiper service beginning mid-2026. But for now, Sky Muster users will experience no changes to their service.
Compare satellite NBN plans
The following table shows selected published NBN satellite plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our comparison tool to see fixed-line plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
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min. cost $59.00 over one month |
Unlimited | $59.00 | Go To Site |
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Sky Muster Ultra25
min. cost $64.95 for first month |
Unlimited | $64.95 | |
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Satellite Medium
min. cost $70 for one month billing period |
Unlimited | $70 | |
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min. cost $74.00 over one month |
Unlimited | $74.00 | Go To Site |
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Sky Muster Ultra50
min. cost $84.95 for first month |
Unlimited | $84.95 | |
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min. cost $99.00 over one month |
Unlimited | $99.00 | Go To Site |
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**^^View important information |
Starlink satellite internet
Starlink is operated by Elon Musk’s company, Space X. It consists of thousands of smaller satellites in low Earth orbit, working together to deliver internet services to customers around the world.
This service can be purchased by anyone around Australia, both directly from Starlink and via satellite broadband partner Telstra in eligible areas. However, it tends to have more expensive set up costs, as well as a pricey monthly plan fee.
What is the best satellite internet plan in Australia?
Whether you choose Sky Muster, Starlink or another satellite internet product, you’re likely going to be getting fairly similar service.
At the end of the day, the best satellite internet in Australia is one that caters to all of your needs. To ensure you get the best deal possible, research and compare multiple providers before making your decision.
Satellite internet providers
While there aren’t as many options for those living in more regional communities, several providers specialise in servicing rural Australia. As always, it’s important to compare plans from different providers to find one that’s right for you.
Satellite NBN providers
- Activ8me offers a variety of plans across Sky Muster standard and Sky Muster Plus Premium speed tiers. It offers contract-free plans, with the option to bring your own router or add one at the checkout.
- IPSTAR offers Sky Muster Plus Premium speed tiers on a month-to-month contract, with no hardware or standard installation costs.
- SkyMesh specialises in satellite and fixed wireless plans throughout rural Australia. It offers all Sky Muster Plus Premium speed tiers on a contract-free basis, with no setup fees and round the clock support, even on public holidays.
- Southern Phone delivers plans on the Sky Muster Plus Premium speed tiers on a month-to-month basis, with the company’s goal to provide more affordable mobile and internet services to customers in regional areas.
FAQs about satellite internet
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