Starlink Australia: A Comprehensive Guide to Satellite Internet Options

A lot of people have been searching for terms like ‘Starlink Australia’ online. In this guide, we’ll talk about what Starlink really is and touch on topics like pricing all the way to ordering. Here, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision based on your unique internet needs.

What is Starlink internet?

Starlink, developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, aims to redefine the landscape of internet connectivity globally, even with an eye on places outside of the metropolitan area.

The technology behind Starlink

• Proximity. One feature of Starlink’s satellites is their Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which is sixty-five times closer to Earth compared to traditional satellites. This proximity typically plays a part in delivering low latency and responsive connectivity.
• Connectivity. Given the nature of the satellite technology, Starlink aims to offer high-speed internet even in Australian regional locations, where traditional internet has been generally less than satisfactory.

What is the price of Starlink internet in Australia?

Starlink’s entry into the Australian market brings with it a new pricing structure for satellite internet services. For a standard residential service, Starlink’s monthly subscription is set at $139, with a one-time hardware purchase cost of $599 and a shipping fee of $30.

How fast is Starlink internet in Australia?

Just like any other internet service provider, Starlink offers varying speeds that cater to different user needs in Australia. Here’s a rundown of their standard and business plan’s speed and latency.

• Starlink speed and latency. Starlink’s service in Australia has download speeds ranging from up to 20 Mbps to 100 Mbps. As for latency, it’s estimated to be between 25 ms and 50 ms.
• Starlink business speed and latency. For business users, Starlink has download speeds of up to 220 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 25 Mbps. This also has the same latency as their regular plan, between 25 and 50 ms.

nbn® Comparison

Starlink’s standard speed is comparable to an nbn® 100 Fixed Line plan. To give you a better idea, the following would generally be what you would expect from such fixed-line plans:

• nbn® 25. The typical evening speeds of nbn® 25 plans are up to 4 Mbps upload and up to 25 Mbps download between 7.00 p.m. and 11.00 p.m. Generally, this is suitable for about one to two users who engage in activities like online messaging and web browsing.
• nbn® 50. The typical evening speeds of nbn® 50 plans are up to 16 Mbps upload and up to 49 Mbps download between 7.00 p.m. and 11.00 p.m. This is generally ideal for around three to four users who sync and back up data storage, game online, and more.
• nbn® 100. The typical evening speeds of nbn® 100 plans are up to 16 Mbps upload and up to 96 Mbps download between 7.00 p.m. and 11.00 p.m. With this, you can usually cover four or more users who watch high-resolution live streams, digitally transfer large files, and more.

However, with fixed-line technology, the internet latency would generally be under 10 ms. This makes Starlink’s latency comparable to a similarly responsive 4G connection of around 20 ms.

Real-world speed test results

According to Ookla’s report, Starlink users in Australia experienced median download speeds of 106.43 Mbps and average upload speeds of 11.44 Mbps. The report also noted an average latency of 66 ms for Starlink users.

At the end of the day, Starlink can provide reasonably fast internet speeds in Australia, and its performance is commendable for satellite-based services.

Where is Starlink internet available in Australia?

When Starlink’s service was initially introduced in Australia, it was available in select parts of Victoria and New South Wales. Come today, the service blankets the entirety of Australia, marking a significant leap in its availability.

What’s more, to complement the satellite network in space, there are also 20 Starlink ground stations across Australia. These are located in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia.

Those who want to confirm availability in their area can enter their address on the Starlink website. This is similar to other internet service providers with an internet availability checker. Generally, you can also get in touch with an agent for further assistance, especially if your location isn’t listed on the coverage map or platform feature.

What are the alternatives to Starlink internet in Australia?

With the range of satellite internet as a whole, Starlink can be an option for Australians in regional locations, similar to options like Sky Muster nbn® and Fixed Wireless nbn®. On the other hand, there’s also Fixed Line nbn® and even 5G home internet.

Sky Muster nbn®

As with Starlink, Sky Muster works through satellite internet technology. It works through two advanced space satellites and uses a satellite dish receiver on the roof of your premises to provide a connection.

In comparison to Starlink’s speeds of up to 20 Mbps to 100 Mbps, Sky Muster has capped data plans with speeds of up to 25 Mbps, and Sky Muster Plus Premium has unlimited data plans with download speeds of up to 100 Mbps. Sky Muster plans from Skymesh also come with free standard installations and Brisbane-based support.

It’s important to note that Starlink also has unlimited residential plans, with their unlimited options costing a little more.

When choosing between your satellite internet options, another factor to consider is latency. This refers to the time it takes for data to travel from your computer to a remote server and back. Latency is affected by the distance between the computer and the satellite.

Fixed Wireless nbn®

Some users would be within satellite coverage, while others would be in fixed wireless coverage. For those who have Fixed Wireless nbn® availability in their area, know that this technology works similarly to how mobile phones connect to the internet.

It’s simple; radio signals from the network towers are transmitted, and outdoor antennas receive the data. In the same way a satellite dish does, the outdoor antenna is what connects to your premises and allows you to access the internet.

In places where Fixed Wireless is accessible, it might be a more suitable option compared to satellite internet, which might not be available in the first place. That’s because satellite internet is generally more suitable for less populated areas because of the bandwidth capacity of each satellite.

Fixed Line nbn®

Another internet option is a Fixed-line service from nbn®. This broadband technology leverages high-speed fibre optic cables to bring a connection to your premises.

Fixed-line nbn® is available in various forms, including Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), Fibre to the Building (FTTB), Fibre to the Node (FTTN), Fibre to the Curb (FTTC), and even Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC). Certain options might incorporate the existing copper network infrastructure as the final segment of the connection or may employ hybrid configurations.

Just keep in mind that the performance and speed of these services can be influenced by factors such as the age and condition of the copper network leading into the premises. The specific type of connection you can have depends on the infrastructure and what has already been installed at your location.

5G home internet

While you can compare Starlink to 5G home internet, it isn’t straightforward since both serve different needs.

With satellite internet aimed at regional locations far away from urban internet services, 5G mobile networks are more suited to people living in high-population metropolitan areas. Think of your home network accessing mobile towers, where the connection takes place from a nearby hub.

Additionally, it’s also crucial to consider that 5G internet plans typically come with speed caps of 50 Mbps, 100 Mbps, or are offered without any cap.

Each of these alternatives presents unique benefits, catering to the diverse connectivity needs across Australia. Whether it’s Sky Muster, Fixed Wireless nbn®, Fixed-line nbn®, or 5G home internet, remember that there are also options that are similar to Starlink.

Getting Starlink internet in Australia

Aside from familiarising yourself with some of the other internet options available, here are some other factors you should take into account when considering Starlink.

What equipment do you need for Starlink internet?

Once you order Starlink internet service and purchase the hardware, which is sold separately for $599, they’ll send you the equipment you need to get started. The standard package for residential homes comes with the following:

• Starlink Antenna: This is your satellite dish, roughly the size of a round tray. It’s designed to automatically align itself with the satellite. The dish works well across a range of temperatures. However, note that there are some locations that reach temperatures above the operating temperature (around 50 degrees Celsius). If the dish is exposed to high temperatures, especially if it is installed on a corrugated iron roof, this could cause the dish to heat up and expand, causing signal issues.
• Base: A sturdy support for the dish. The common notion is that satellite dishes have to be attached to the roof of your premises, but this isn’t mandatory. Starlink’s dish can function at ground level, but if you can’t find a clear view from the bottom, you may need to purchase a roof mount that’s sold separately.
• Router: This device brings Wi-Fi to your home. It’s suitable for average-sized homes and is set up indoors. It works well in the same temperature conditions as the antenna.
• Cables: The package includes a 15.2m cable (about the length of a bowling lane) for connecting the dish to the router, and a 1.8m power cable for the router. However, if you want to connect to other devices via Ethernet, you need to purchase an additional Ethernet adapter from Starlink’s website or a compatible adapter from a stockist.

Note that for both satellite and fixed wireless internet, the connection can typically be affected by proximity to infrastructure and line of sight hindrances.

The key is to have an unobstructed view of the sky to ensure a reliable connection. Remember, obstacles like large trees or nearby buildings can affect the signal strength.

How long does it take to get Starlink internet?

After placing an order on the Starlink website, the package or ‘Starlink Kit’ is typically dispatched to your address within a few days. However, the specific delivery timeframe would still vary and depend on factors like your location in Australia.

What happens if I want to cancel my Starlink internet order?

Whether you still want some more time to decide or if you change your mind after ordering, know that you can cancel and request a refund via the Starlink Customer Account Portal.

This even applies to those who’ve already received the Starlink Kit. In this case, you have the option to cancel the service and receive a full refund, provided you do this within thirty days of the Starlink Kit’s shipment date. What’s more, after the thirty-day trial, you can still cancel your service, but there will be no refunds for plan fees or hardware costs.

In line with this, should you want to switch to a different address, it’s crucial that you get in touch with Starlink’s customer support team. All Starlink Kits and units have their corresponding satellites, and because of this, you may need to pay a relocation fee when moving.

What is Starlink Business?

On top of Starlink’s standard internet service, they also have an option for businesses. Here, the same cost elements are present (subscription, hardware, shipping, etc.), but with an increased price for their premium service and user capacity for stores and workplaces with up to twenty active members.

Some notable inclusions in Starlink Business would be the higher-performance antenna for speed and weather durability. There’ll also be Priority Data allocations (1TB, 2TB, or 6TB) compared to those with the regular Starlink plans. However, once this is used up, businesses will have the same priority as residential users.

What is Starlink for RVs and Maritime?

While each Starlink Kit and unit is connected to specific satellites, the long-range satellite technology means that a fixed address isn’t a necessity. That’s why there are specific plans catering to recreational vehicles (RVs) like motorhomes and maritime vehicles like ships or boats.

Starlink for RVs, known as Starlink Roam, is priced higher than the standard plan, with the international option being more expensive than its national counterpart. However, this option would still have the same standard costs for hardware. You can also expect download speeds of up to 5 Mbps to 50 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 2 Mbps to 10 Mbps.

As for the maritime service, it’s priced higher than the RV plan, with an added cost for hardware. As such, this option is more comparable to Starlink Business in that it provides high-speed, low-latency internet with download speeds of up to 220 Mbps.

Starlink and Optus mobile coverage

Starlink’s collaborations in Australia extend beyond telecommunication companies like Telstra. They’ve also been partnering with Optus to enhance mobile connectivity coverage in Australia.

Here, when Optus customers are out of the range of the Optus network, they’ll get the chance to connect to Starlink for service. As soon as this service is fully launched, Optus customers will be able to send and receive SMS, call and answer phone calls, and also experience mobile surfing using the Starlink network.

Starlink Australia FAQs

How can I check Starlink coverage in my area?

Based on Starlink’s coverage map, their satellite internet is accessible throughout Australia.

However, it’s advisable to confirm your location’s eligibility by entering your address on the official website. Just like other internet service providers with location checkers, it may help to connect with one of their agents if you don’t see your area listed. They could provide you with further assistance and concrete coverage confirmation.

How long will it take for my Starlink equipment to arrive?

Depending on your location and other similar factors, your internet equipment from the Starlink Kit could arrive in around a week or two.

For an estimate based on your specific situation, you can also opt to input your address on the Starlink website. Then, should you decide to opt for Starlink and place an order, you can track your package and monitor the shipment’s progress through their app.

What can you do on the Starlink app?

Available on both the App Store and Google Play Store, the Starlink app has a number of uses and features.

Aside from tracking your order’s shipment progress, you can also use this app to help you look for the most optimal installation spot on your premises. Additionally, you can view your internet’s performance in real-time and customise your settings here. Plus, you’ll be able to lodge tickets with Starlink’s support team on the app if you are experiencing any service issues.

Where can you order Starlink from?

You can choose to order the internet equipment directly from Starlink’s website. On the other hand, you can also check various accredited physical or online retailers for a Starlink Kit. This would include stores like JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks, and more.

Typically, you’d spend the same whether you purchased hardware from Starlink or a retailer. However, you could also opt for a pick-up option if you have a nearby collection centre nearby. This way, you could potentially save on delivery fees.

Key Points to Remember

1. Starlink is a satellite internet service provider launched by Elon Musk.
2. Pricing for the monthly subscription is $139 for the standard plan. The hardware is sold separately for $599, plus $30 for shipping, though refurbished kits are also available.
3. Expected download speeds for the standard plans are up to 20 Mbps to 100 Mbps.
4. There’s a more premium service counterpart (Starlink Business), particularly for businesses with around twenty active users.
5. Expected download speeds for Starlink Business are up to 220 Mbps, with upload speeds of up to 25 Mbps.
6. Starlink’s performance compares similarly to nbn® 100 Fixed Line plans.
7. Generally, Starlink is available Australia-wide but users should still refer to their website for coverage capabilities.
8. Some other internet options include Sky Muster nbn®, Fixed Wireless nbn®, Fixed Line nbn®, and 5G home internet.
9. Starlink provides a Starlink Kit with a satellite dish, base, router and cables.
10. The Starlink Kit can be delivered in around a week or two, with order cancellation and refunds as an option.
11. There are special Starlink satellite plans for RVs and maritime vehicles.
12. Starlink and Optus are working together to provide Optus customers with mobile coverage when they’re not within range of an Optus network.
13. You can use the Starlink app to track orders, find an ideal installation spot on your premises, assess your internet’s performance in real-time, and customise your network settings.
14. The Starlink Kit can also be ordered from accredited retailers in Australia.

Your digital journey, your needs

As technology continues to advance and the demand for high-speed, reliable internet grows, it’s clear that solutions like satellite internet technology play a pivotal role in shaping the future of connectivity in Australia.

Whether for business, personal use, or unique applications, the landscape of internet options is expanding, offering more choices and better services to meet the diverse needs of Australians across the country, even those living in regional areas.

At Skymesh, we stand as the nbn® network’s specialised regional internet provider, boasting over fifteen years of dedicated service. Our journey has been marked by empowering tens of thousands of regional Australian households and premises with reliable broadband services. Here, we believe that everyone deserves a consistent and stable internet connection.