Australia’s internet landscape is changing, and Starlink is leading the charge. The satellite-based service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX promises blazing-fast speeds and reliable connections, even in the farthest corners of the country.
For rural and remote residents who’ve struggled with slow or non-existent internet, this is a game-changer! That said, the huge increase in customers also shows that Starlink Australia is becoming more popular in metro cities.
Starlink Australia’s Potential
Starlink isn’t just about bringing internet to remote areas. Its fast speeds and global network could make it a future-proof option for everyone demanding top-notch connectivity. Plus, the ‘Roam’ plan is perfect for adventurers and nomads who need reliable internet on the go.
How Does Starlink Stack Up?
Starlink has gained a lot of attention, but how does it fare against Australia’s existing broadband infrastructure? Let’s break it down:
- Accessibility: Starlink wins hands-down if you’re in an area the NBN hasn’t reached. Its satellites cover vast distances traditional cables can’t.
- Speed: Starlink and the NBN both offer plans with speeds up to 100Mbps. However, the NBN has plans with even higher potential speeds in select locations.
- Cost: Currently, Starlink is pricier than most NBN plans for comparable speeds. However, it’s reliability is unmatched.
- Reliability: Satellite internet can be affected by weather, so ground-based services like the NBN generally have an edge here. However, Starlink’s low-orbit satellites aim to minimize those issues.
Why We Love Starlink
Starlink is an exciting option, particularly for those in remote areas who’ve been left behind by traditional internet. Here’s a quick recap of their plans:
- Standard Residential: Unlimited data, up to 100Mbps, $139/month
- Telstra Collaboration: Slightly cheaper, speeds capped at 50Mbps, $125/month
- Roam: For on-the-go users, pricier with data caps.
The Future of Aussie Internet
Starlink’s arrival in Australia shows the potential of satellite technology to transform how we connect. Whether you’re in a major city or a tiny outback town, the goal is the same: fast, reliable internet for everyone.
Starlink might just be a major part of making that happen. The love around the SpaceX brand is also driving more customers to the product.
Starlink Total Subscribers Continues To Grow
As of April 2024, Starlink has 2.7million subscribers worldwide as announced by Elon Musk during a speech which is also shown below, with over 200,000 subscribers in Australia alone.
The Australian market, makes up about 7.5% of Starlink’s total customer base.
At Starbase, @ElonMusk provided an update on the company’s plans to send humanity to Mars, the best destination to begin making life multiplanetary pic.twitter.com/PiX8XOgQs5
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 6, 2024
Starlink Router – Equipment and Setup
Upon subscribing to a plan, customers will receive the essential Starlink Kit which consists of the Starlink satellite dish, a mounting tripod, and a Wi-Fi starlink router.
The Starlink router offers several benefits, such as being cost-effective compared to other satellite-based internet solutions.
Starlink also provides fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, and it works very well in remote areas with high speeds and very low latency.
Some of the cons of the Starlink router include being expensive, having disruptions depending on obstructions, and requiring a clear view of the sky for optimal performance.
Overall, while the Starlink router has its drawbacks, it offers a promising solution for providing internet access to underserved areas.
The setup process has been designed for ease, with users typically able to install the equipment themselves.
- Starlink Australia Kit:
- Satellite Dish
- Mounting Tripod
- Wi-Fi Router
Initial setup costs for Starlink can be an additional investment over the monthly fee, which includes the hardware cost for the kit.
These costs may vary, and potential customers should verify the current pricing through Starlink’s official channels or partners such as Telstra.
The high throughput of the Starlink system makes it suitable for a wide range of online activities from high-resolution streaming to remote work requirements, justifying the setup investment for users in locations starved of comparable broadband services.
I’ll quickly add the pricing here, but also check the official site as prices may change. The service with Starlink is $139.00 per month, whilst the hardware is a one off fee of $599.00 with a $30 delivery fee.
You can also choose to rent the hardware for $19.00 per month with a $30 delivery fee still applicable.
Starlink Australia FAQs
Compared to traditional providers such as Telstra, Starlink offers different capabilities, particularly in remote areas where conventional broadband may be limited. While Telstra’s Starlink plans are capped at 50Mbps, a standard Starlink service in Australia can provide speeds up to 100Mbps.
As of now, Starlink’s subscription for a standard residential plan in Australia is priced at $139 per month, offering unlimited data which caters to the needs of typical households.
Can I use Starlink for my RV travels around Australia, and what is the cost?
For RV travels, Starlink presents a solution for maintaining connectivity on the go. The cost may vary, but for consistent service across different regions, the investment aligns with the standard residential rate along with any additional equipment costs which may be required for mobility.
Customers in Australia can expect Starlink speeds to reach up to 100Mbps for standard plans, although actual speeds can vary based on a variety of factors, including the user’s location and current network conditions.
Starlink service has made significant strides in rural Australia, with many reporting positive reception and an improvement over previous internet options, making it a compelling choice for those in remote areas seeking reliable connectivity.
