What is NBN satellite?

Fact Checked

The National Broadband Network (NBN) rollout is technically complete, built with a range of technology types to service homes and businesses across the country. One NBN option available to customers in regional Australia is NBN satellite – a type of technology that provides an internet connection through a satellite rather than a fixed line like most NBN connections.

What is NBN satellite and how does it work?

NBN satellite, also called NBN Sky Muster, connects your home or business to the internet via satellite, rather than the traditional fibre connection used across most of the network.

NBN’s Sky Muster satellite system is primarily designed to be used for regional and remote use, due to its comparatively smaller coverage and more limited speed. It was launched in 2015 to help cover areas where fibre or fixed wireless NBN was harder to connect. 

There are currently two NBN Sky Muster satellites covering Australia, with 10 ground stations assisting with coverage. These ground stations feature two 13.5 metre satellite dishes, and cover mainland Australia, Tasmania and other locations (including Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, Lord Howe Island and the Cocos Islands).

Unlike other NBN technology types, satellite NBN uses satellite signals to send and receive data. NBN Co’s satellite ground stations connect with an internet service provider (for example, Telstra or TPG), and data is beamed to the network’s two satellites operating above Australia. 

Those satellites then send data to the satellite dish installed on your property, and that data is then deciphered by your NBN connection box and modem. This allows you to connect to the internet, and transmit data back and forth.

How do I connect to NBN satellite?

You can determine if Sky Muster satellite NBN is available in your area by checking your address on NBN Co’s website. If you have NBN satellite coverage, you’ll then need to sign up to a Sky Muster plan from an NBN provider – you can find a list of current providers below. 

Once you’ve purchased your Sky Muster plan, a technician will come to your property to install the satellite dish and set up the connection points, as well as configure the modem. How long this takes will be dependent on your plan, provider and how remote your property is.

NBN satellite providers

There are currently only a few internet providers that offer SkyMuster satellite plans. These include:

• Activ8me
• Ant Communications
• Bordernet
• C Mobile
• Ipstar
• Multiwave Networks
• Skymesh
• Southern Phone

Although all Sky Muster plans operate on NBN Co’s satellite network, prices and plan speeds may vary between providers.

NBN satellite plans

NBN Co has recently streamlined its wholesale Sky Muster range, dividing its satellite plans into two types: standard Sky Muster, and Sky Muster Plus Premium.

Standard Sky Muster plans come with a limited number of gigabytes (data) each month. Both downloaded and uploaded data counts towards this allowance, and some providers such as Activ8me also divide data into peak and off-peak speeds. This means you’ll get a certain number of gigabytes to use in busy hours, and another number for quieter periods. 

Sky Muster Plus Premium plans include an unlimited data allowance, so there’s no cap on how much you can download or upload each month. These plans also come with faster speed options when compared to standard Sky Muster.

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
	Sky Muster Plus Premium 25 Standard Speed (NBN 25) Speed (7pm-11pm) 18Mbps min. cost $59.00 over one month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$59.00Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	Sky Muster Ultra25 Standard Speed (NBN 25) Unlimited data min. cost $64.95 for first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$64.95Advertised Data^^/billing period
	Satellite Medium Standard Plus Speed (NBN 50) Uncapped data min. cost $70 for one month billing period	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$70Advertised Data^^/billing period
	Sky Muster Plus Premium 50 Standard Speed (NBN 50/5) Burst speeds of up to 10Mbps Typical Evening Speed 33Mbps min. cost $74.00 over one month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$74.00Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
	Sky Muster Ultra50 Standard Plus Speed (NBN 50) Unlimited data min. cost $84.95 for first month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$84.95Advertised Data^^/billing period
	Sky Muster Plus Premium 100 Standard Speed (NBN 100/5) Burst upload speeds of up to 10Mbps Unlimited data min. cost $99.00 over one month	UnlimitedMax Data**/billing period	$99.00Advertised Data^^/billing period	Go To Site
View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue			**^^View important information

NBN satellite speeds

While NBN satellite isn’t as fast as fixed-line fibre, customers can access potential download ‘burst’ speeds of up to 100Mbps on the highest tier plans.

Your typical and maximum download/upload speeds will depend on the type of Sky Muster plan you choose. Standard SkyMuster plans offer two speed tiers, while the faster and unlimited-data Sky Muster Plus Premium plans come with a choice of three speeds.

While Sky Muster Plus Premium offers faster potential maximum speeds, you’re more likely to experience the typical speeds on a day-to-day basis, especially during peak usage times.

How much do NBN satellite plans cost?

Satellite NBN plans prices will vary depending on the provider you pick and your choice of Sky Muster or Sky Muster Plus Premium speeds. Generally, plans can cost anywhere between $40 and $110 per month. Plus plans with unlimited data tend to be more expensive, especially if you prefer the mid or high-tier speeds.

In good news, satellite prices have improved in the last few years, as NBN Co has prioritised affordable internet access for regional Australians. But NBN satellite plans are still slightly more expensive when compared to NBN fibre. 

For example, an unlimited Sky Muster Plus Premium plan with speeds up to 50Mbps is priced around $75-$85 per month. Fibre NBN 50 plans tend to start at $65-$70 monthly, and offer faster typical speeds close to 50Mbps. 

If you’re considering the Starlink satellite service as an alternative, Sky Muster is still much cheaper. Starlink plans currently cost $139 per month in Australia, plus $549 upfront for standard hardware.

Pros and cons of NBN satellite

Pros of NBN satellite

• Coverage: Satellite NBN is good for reaching parts of Australia that fixed-line or wireless broadband cannot.
• Connection stability: Satellite NBN is generally more stable than mobile broadband in remote areas of Australia, offering less interruptions and a more consistent signal strength.
• Choice of speeds: Sky Muster users can now select from multiple speed tiers, with maximum speeds of up to 12Mbps, 25Mbps, 50Mbps and 100Mbps available.
• No setup costs: Unlike Starlink, a standard NBN satellite installation is free. However, you may need to buy a separate wireless router.

Cons of NBN satellite

• Speed: Due to the sheer distance and size covered, NBN satellite speeds aren’t as fast as fibre NBN, 5G home internet or rival Starlink.
• Limited providers: Only a small selection of NBN providers currently offer Sky Muster satellite plans, so the market isn’t as competitive as fibre NBN.
• Plan costs: Although prices have decreased, you may find you’re getting less value in terms of data or speeds when compared to other broadband types.

Can NBN satellite be affected by the weather?

Weather conditions including hail, rain, snow and dust can affect your Sky Muster signal, meaning you may experience performance or connection issues. Your NBN satellite dish may also be impacted by wind, lightning, or other external issues.

Can I keep my home phone connection on an NBN satellite plan?

Unlike fibre NBN, you can keep your copper wire telephone connection on an NBN satellite plan. You can also sign up for a VoIP phone line through your NBN provider.

Is NBN satellite worth it?

For what you get, NBN satellite offers a more affordable option for remote Australian homes who don’t have access to fixed-line internet. Compared to main satellite rival Starlink, it’s much cheaper, although you’re likely to get a faster performance with the SpaceX-owned satellite service. 

Although nationwide mobile coverage and speed has been strengthened by the rollout of 5G and improved infrastructure, NBN satellite still plays a key role in keeping Australians connected in remote areas. NBN Co is continuing to invest in both satellite and fixed wireless options in regional Australia, alongside its ongoing fibre upgrade program in metro areas.