A major step closer to nbn LEO for regional and remote Australia
4-minute read
One year on from announcing our partnership with Amazon Leo, nbn has reached another important milestone in bringing its future Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite service to regional and remote Australia, paving the way for the next evolution of our satellite network as Sky Muster satellites reach the end of their operational life.
nbn LEO is part of our broader investment in regional and remote Australia. Across the country, we're continuing to roll out nbn full fibre and invest in the nbn Fixed Wireless network, while preparing for the next generation of satellite technology.
Over the past year, we've worked closely with internet providers, regional and remote community representatives, industry stakeholders and partners to help shape the future nbn LEO service. Following consultation, we have now finalised the initial plans expected to be available at launch and how eligible customers will transition from their current nbn Sky Muster service to the new nbn LEO service, powered by Amazon Leo.
nbn LEO will be progressively available to homes and businesses across the nbn satellite footprint. Eligible customers will be able to choose from an introductory range of nbn LEO plans, which offer uncapped data*, and may reach wholesale speeds of up to 50/10 Mbps and up to100/20 Mbps**. Additional higher-speed plans may become available over time as the service evolves.
Importantly, customers will access the service through participating Australian internet providers and will be supported by nbn throughout the rollout and upgrade journey.
Built on the next generation of satellite technology for a better broadband experience
For more than a decade, nbn's Sky Muster satellite service has helped connect some of Australia's most remote homes and businesses. From farming communities to Indigenous communities and regional tourism operators, Sky Muster has played an important role in helping Australians stay connected, across Australia. It has helped communities stay connected through droughts, bushfires, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic, often in locations where few other connectivity options were available.
As we look to the future, nbn LEO represents the next evolution of that commitment. It builds on the legacy of Sky Muster while helping ensure regional and remote Australians can benefit from the next generation of satellite technology for years to come.
Where today's Sky Muster satellites orbit about 36,000 kilometres above the Earth, the future nbn LEO service, will use satellites operating much closer to Earth. This shorter distance is expected to reduce the time it takes for data to travel across the network, helping create a better online experience.
For customers, that means a more responsive online experience. Compared with Sky Muster, nbn LEO is expected to deliver lower latency and improved upload performance, helping people get more out of video calls, online learning, streaming, running a business and other real-time applications.
More than just a satellite connection
While the future nbn LEO service is expected to deliver improved broadband performance, customers will also benefit from the support that comes with being connected through nbn.
For eligible customers, nbn plans to provide everything needed to get connected, including an initial standard professional installation and equipment package, including an integrated wi-fi router at no upfront wholesale charge. Qualified technicians will install and support with in-home set-up, making it an easy connection experience. The option to self-connect will also be available.
Customers will also have access to nbn's nationwide assurance and service support program, providing ongoing support after installation and helping ensure they stay connected over time.
Beyond the product itself, nbn LEO will follow the same annual pricing review process as other nbn wholesale services. nbn's wholesale pricing operates within an ACCC-approved regulatory framework, and published well in advance, providing certainty for internet providers and customers alike. nbn LEO pricing will be consistent across the satellite footprint and won't vary based on location or demand.
Supporting a smooth transition
We have worked closely with internet providers and stakeholders to design a clear transition pathway for customers currently using nbn Sky Muster.
Our priority is to help existing Sky Muster customers move to nbn LEO as the new service becomes available.
When nbn LEO becomes available, nbn will support participating providers and customers through the upgrade process, including special wholesale pricing offers for eligible Sky Muster and Sky Muster Plus customers and extra support for those who need additional assistance.
Existing nbn Sky Muster and Sky Muster Plus services are generally expected to continue operating while customers move to the new service, helping them stay connected throughout the rollout.
What happens next?
nbn plans to begin testing the service later this year, followed by customer trials ahead of launch.
Subject to final testing and readiness activities, eligible customers can generally expect to begin transitioning to nbn LEO from around mid-2027, with rollout occurring progressively across the satellite footprint as capacity becomes available.
This latest milestone gives customers, providers and communities a much clearer picture of what nbn LEO will look like and marks another exciting step. We're looking forward to the next phase of testing and trials and continuing to share updates as we move closer to launch.
*Fair use and other conditions may apply.
**Speeds are not guaranteed. The stated maximum wholesale speeds will be provided on a best efforts basis, but actual speeds may vary. nbn will publish relevant speed information when available. Your experience depends on your nbn® technology, and factors outside nbn’s control (availability of line of sight between your antenna and the satellite, geography, weather, like your internet provider and plan, usage during busy periods, your Wi-Fi router generation and internet equipment setup, plus the number of concurrent online devices at your premises). You may also experience latency.