NBN satellite finally gets faster speeds, no download limits: Are you eligible?
Up to 10,000 Sky Muster Plus customers will be able to access 100% unmetered data and speeds up to 100Mbps in NBN Co's new trial.
Regional and remote internet users will finally get their need for faster speeds met through NBN Co's new satellite internet trial.
Here's a quick rundown of what to expect:
- All Sky Muster Plus customers will be able to get 100% unmetered data (i.e. no download limits) and faster burst of speeds up to 100Mbps.
- The trial will run from now until May 2023.
- The fair use policy will continue to apply. This means your speeds may be slowed down at the NBN's discretion if the network load is too much (particularly with gaming/software updates and cloud uploads in the evening).
- It will give the NBN Co time to collect feedback and improve its product and services before potentially launching the plan later this year.
"We know that customers across the NBN network are demanding more speed and more data, and as the customer need grows, so does our response," said Gavin Williams, NBN chief development officer for regional and remote in a media release.
"As NBN upgrades the fixed wireless network, it enables us to offer customers on the satellite network the ability to migrate to the fixed wireless network. This will free up capacity for satellite customers – allowing for the trial."
NBN's satellite internet trial vs Starlink threat
This news is going to come as a major relief to all households and small businesses in the bush struggling with unmetered data caps and slow speeds.
The timing is also appropriate given satellite customers in the last year have gone down by 10,000 users as Starlink puts up a fight for its space.
Tech expert and Finder's editor-at-large Angus Kidman sums it up for us:
"Regional Australians will be hoping the trial proves successful," said Kidman. "Being stuck with a download quota is hopelessly 1990s."
NBN Co is clearly feeling competitive pressure from Starlink. But the pricing for Starlink puts it out of reach for many people, especially with current cost of living pressures. As well, many regional residents would rather support an Australian provider.
Good to know. Signing up to a Starlink standard plan will cost you at least $1,163. This includes first-month plan fees ($139 ongoing) and the rest for hardware and shipping costs.
Not a Sky Muster Plus customer yet? Check out satellite internet plans on Finder and explore your options.