29 April 2016
Australians living in regional and rural areas can begin to connect to affordable, high-speed broadband with the launch of services on nbn‘s Sky Muster satellite network.
Minister for Communications Mitch Fifield and Minister for Regional Communications Fiona Nash today officially launched nbn‘s commercial Sky Muster broadband service at installation provider, Skybridge’s Tullamarine warehouse and training facilities.
The new high-speed broadband service is a practical example of the Turnbull Government’s plan to successfully transition Australia’s economy and to create more jobs.
Offering download speeds of up to 25 Megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds of up to 5 Mbps, the Sky Muster service will provide a faster online experience for internet users living in regional and remote areas.
“The Australian Government has invested $2 billion in two advanced Ka-band satellites and a network of ground stations that make up the Sky Muster service,” Minister Fifield said.
“The remoteness of our continent and its islands is no longer a barrier to broadband connectivity thanks to nbn‘s Sky Muster.”
nbn launched its first satellite, Sky Muster 1, in October 2015, with the second satellite on track for launch later this year.
Eligible customers can now contact their local internet service provider to order a broadband connection over the orbiting satellite. Each service requires a professional installation of a new receiver dish and indoor modem.
“Living in rural NSW myself, I know how fast broadband can help boost jobs and growth in rural Australia. These satellites will deliver nbn to parts of Australia which seemed impossible just a few years ago,” Minister Nash said.
“Affordable satellite broadband creates opportunities to run internet-based businesses from almost anywhere in Australia. Building the rural and regional communities our children and grandchildren want to stay in or come back to requires modern technology, and I’m so proud the Coalition is delivering it.”
Equal priority will be given to new customers and current nbn Interim Satellite Service users migrating to Sky Muster. Around 5,000 users per month will be connected in the early months of the rollout before scaling up to 10,000 installations per month later this year.
A variety of different broadband plans are available from providers and pricing compares favourably with current international and local commercial satellite and mobile internet plans.
The satellites have unprecedented throughput capacity, but that capacity is still finite. nbn has put in place a fair use policy to avoid network congestion, ensuring that all users will have fair access to high-speed broadband when they need it.
The launch of nbn‘s commercial satellite services is delivering the Government’s commitment to bring high-speed broadband to rural and regional Australia. An estimated 250,000 homes and businesses across Australia are expected to use the service.
For more information on eligibility and retailers visit: www.nbnco.com.au or freecall nbn on 1800 687 626.
***Please note photos and footage available on request