Starlink Australia is a satellite alternative to fixed line broadband offering comparable 100Mbps speeds, now available Australia-wide and in New Zealand for A$139 per month.
For a limited time, it also offers its DIY install satellite dish kit (RRP $924) for A$450 (plus shipping). You can read all about Starlink internet expands Australian coverage, but here are a few pertinent points.
Starlink Australia
- Speeds from 50-200Mbps download (expect 50-100Mbps) with no data caps
- Approx 20ms lag (fast enough for voice and games) but can go higher.
- DIY install phased array ground antenna with a range of optional roof mounts
- DIY Starlink router (Wi-Fi 5) with optional Starlink mesh nodes or optional Ethernet adapter to connect to a router or mesh
- 30-day trial and hardware refund in that period if it does not work for you
- For fixed address services.
- Not affected by inclement weather or clouds
- Website (defaults to whichever country you are in)
- FAQs
RV and maritime use require different hardware and plans
CyberShack’s view – Starlink Australia is a viable fixed broadband replacement, albeit at a higher cost
If you can get fixed line broadband, it will be cheaper and offer from 20-100Mbps (FTTN) or gigabit speeds over FTTP or HCF connections.
I now know several home, RV and Maritime users that are overall happy with the service. As one said, “In comparison to Telstra 4G internet, Starlink is amazing.”
In the RV owner’s case, getting digital TV and internet/email is worth the cost. They particularly appreciate the pause/un-pause billing, only paying when they use the RV. At the time, in-motion use was unavailable, but now you can get a Flat, High-Performance Starlink dish.
Now that it has Australia-wide coverage, it is perfect for those that cannot get fixed-line broadband.
8 comments
Michael Muir
How do you apply for a new service in Australia and specify the High Performance Flat Panel?
Every time I visit the site it looks like only the standard panel is available to order.
Ray Shaw
We understand that the higher performance panel is part of the business, not the consumer, offering at a higher cost. https://www.starlink.com/business.
Darren
Can I purchase a High Performance Dish in Australia yet?
Ray Shaw
I don’t know but it is marketing this to business users here so I suspect so. https://www.starlink.com/business. The customer service number is 1800 954 824.
Elms Les
Would be nice to be able to contact them when things go wrong
Ray Shaw
You are right. The problem with an online model. I will look into this.
Taz
You’ve mentioned what it does, but nothing about the environmental hazards of it. They are ruining earth based astronomy and when you consider their very short life of about 7 years, what happens then? The toxic materials they release into the upper atmosphere are of great concern with suggestions they are worse at destroying the ozone layer than the now banned fluorocarbons. It is becoming increasingly difficult to launch space craft and higher orbiting satellites because of the ever increasing amount of space junk and satellites. There are applications for about 500000 low orbit satellites. The sky will turn into giant disco ball that it will be impossible for a very long time, if ever, for people to see starry skies ever again. Then there’s the issue of extra microwaves blasting us. From mobile comms to wireless electricity etc. Can’t be good for us. Then the brightening of the night skies by these satellites, even selfishly destroying the skies of remote designated dark sky parks. This will make it harder for our nocturnal wildlife to survive and it also has impacts on human health. Then lastly, these things don’t always burn up. Huge fragments have been found in Australian farms already. Way big enough to kill people.
Had NBN done its job properly there should be no need for this at all. The potentially very serious environmental consequences should dictate these satellites be illegal.
Ray Shaw
I will objectively research this and see what I can find. Give me a few weeks.