NBN launches new uncapped satellite plans: Are they worth it?

Following the success of its first-ever uncapped satellite plan, NBN is launching 2 more options suited to different budgets.

NBN officially introduced Sky Muster Plus Premium back in June 2023, so that households and small businesses in regional Australia could get:

• 100% unmetered data for all internet activities, including video streaming (fair use policy to still apply)
• Have the option to access faster bursts of speed of up to 100Mbps if network capacity allows

Around 53% of NBN's Sky Muster Plus users have taken advantage of the plan following its launch.

However, given the plan costs around $100 a month, NBN now wants to help people access the perks at a lower price point.

So, what are the new NBN satellite plans with uncapped data?

We'll now look at all 3 uncapped data plans, divided into different speed tiers.

But before that keep in mind we'll be using the term "wholesale speeds".

Unlike fixed-line NBN, it's harder to be definitive with actual speeds given that satellite internet can be more easily impacted by external factors, such as network congestion and weather conditions.

• Sky Muster Plus Premium - high tier: This will replace the existing Sky Muster Plus Premium plan. It offers maximum wholesale download speeds of 100Mbps and upload speeds of 5Mbps at least once in 24 hours. During the busy hours of the day (7-11pm), you can expect wholesale download speeds of 48Mbps. Existing customers on the legacy Premium Plus plan will automatically be shifted to the high tier.
• Sky Muster Plus Premium - mid tier: It will give you maximum wholesale download speeds of 50Mbps and upload speeds of 5Mbps at least once every 24 hours. Busy period wholesale download speeds can reach 31Mbps.
• Sky Muster Plus Premium - entry tier: It offers maximum wholesale download speeds of 25Mbps and upload speeds of 5Mbps. Busy period wholesale download speeds will be around 16Mbps.

Good to know. If you don't get the maximum speed available on either of these speed tiers at any point in the day (such as 100Mbps on the high tier), contact your provider or NBN directly.

On any of the 3 plans, you'll also have the option to purchase a dedicated static IP. It'll suit those who want to access their network outside their property.

You also don't need to purchase any new equipment when you sign up for either of these plans.

How much do these new NBN satellite plans cost?

At the time of writing, only Southern Phone had launched the new plans so far. It's now removed all data-capped plans.

But its prices should give you an indication of rough costs per month for each tier.

• Small (entry tier): $55 a month
• Medium (mid tier): $70 a month
• Large (high tier): $79 a month

More to come as soon as providers update their plans.

Will these new plans be worth it?

It's a move in the right direction to help bridge the digital gap between metro and regional Australia.

We expect down the line, NBN satellite plans will become less complicated and these 3 plans will be the new norm.

"Customers on the legacy Premium plan have been enjoying an average of at least four times more data on a monthly basis than those on metered NBN Sky Muster plans, so it's exciting to now be able to offer even more affordable options for uncapped data usage plans," Gavin Williams, NBN chief development officer, regional and remote, said.

As no new NBN installation or equipment is needed for those who want to upgrade their existing NBN satellite service, NBN Sky Muster customers who make the switch today will be able to start the new year without the worry of monthly data limits.

UPDATE: We've updated this news with pricing information from Southern Phone.