Australia's NBN Co to transition from geostationary to low Earth orbit satellites

Australia's NBN Co and Amazon have agreed to deliver high-speed, wholesale fixed broadband to customers in parts of regional, rural and remote Australia via Project Kuiper’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology. NBN built and operates the nbn wholesale broadband access network for Australia while Project Kuiper is Amazon's satellite broadband business.

Amazon is planning to launch its service in Australia from the middle of 2026. Post-launch, NBN Co plans to offer wholesale residential-grade fixed LEO satellite broadband services to more than 300,000 premises within its existing satellite footprint via participating retail service providers (RSPs). The wholesale LEO satellite offering powered by Project Kuiper will be available to both eligible* existing and new customers within the nbn network’s satellite footprint, via these RSPs.

The agreement will enable NBN Co to transition from its existing geostationary Sky Muster satellite service over the coming years and will complement NBN Co’s investments in fibre and fixed wireless upgrades for regional Australia.

NBN Co will shortly start consultation with RSPs, regional communities and stakeholders, to help inform what speed tiers are offered, wholesale pricing and the upgrade for customers. The consultation will consider the offer of equipment and professional initial standard installation and assurance at no cost for existing eligible* nbn satellite customers, via participating RSPs.

Project Kuiper is deploying thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit —connected to each other by high-speed optical links that will create a mesh network in space—and linked to a global network of antennas, fibre, and internet connection points on the ground. Project Kuiper’s low-latency, high-bandwidth satellite network is expected to provide significant improvements to the quality and reliability of broadband for eligible regional, rural and remote communities.

The initial satellite constellation will include more than 3,200 satellites, which began deploying in April 2025 with its first operational launch. There are currently 78 Kuiper satellites in orbit, after three successful launches in less than three months, and Amazon is continuing to increase its production, processing and launch rates ahead of an initial service rollout.

Ellie Sweeney, CEO at NBN Co. said: “LEO satellite broadband, supplied by NBN Co and powered by Amazon’s Project Kuiper, will be a major leap forward for customers in parts of regional, rural and remote Australia.

“This important agreement will complement our other major network upgrades that have involved the rollout of full fibre services across much of our fixed line network and the deployment of the latest 5G mm wave technology to improve the speed and capacity of our fixed wireless network.

“Australians deserve to have access to fast, effective broadband regardless of whether they live in a major city, on the outskirts of a country town or miles from their nearest neighbour. That’s what nbn was set up to deliver. By upgrading to next generation LEO satellite broadband powered by Project Kuiper, we are working to bring the best available technology to Aussies in the bush.

“Transitioning from two geostationary satellites to a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites will help to ensure the nbn network is future-ready and delivers the best possible broadband experience to customers living and working in parts of regional, rural and remote Australia.

“We plan to bring faster, lower latency broadband to Australians living and working in regional, rural and remote areas, enabling their ongoing participation in the economy for work, study, telehealth, streaming entertainment and connecting with family and friends.

“This new LEO service will eventually replace our geostationary satellites, and we are committed to working with regional communities to ensure we provide continuity of service and make the transition as smooth and seamless as possible.”

Rajeev Badyal, VP, Technology at Amazon’s Project Kuiper, said:"We’ve designed Project Kuiper to be the most advanced satellite system ever built, and we’re combining that innovation with Amazon’s long track record of making everyday life better for customers. We’re proud to be working with nbn to bring Kuiper to even more customers and communities across Australia and look forward to creating new opportunities for hundreds of thousands of people in rural and remote parts of the country.”

NBN Co will continue to maintain and operate its two geostationary Sky Muster satellites until the company transitions to Project Kuiper’s satellite network. The two Sky Muster satellites are expected to remain viable and operational until approximately 2032, so the company is exploring its options regarding these assets, once all existing customers have been transitioned to nbn's new wholesale LEO satellite offering, powered by Project Kuiper.

NBN Co has invited existing Sky Muster and Sky Muster Plus customers and potential new customers to register their interest to receive updates at nbnco.com.au/register

*Eligible customers are customers with fixed address premises within the current nbn satellite footprint that can receive nbn's wholesale LEO satellite offering, powered by Project Kuiper, including both existing Sky Muster and Sky Muster Plus satellite service customers and new customers within the current nbn satellite footprint. Installation would be provided at no cost for a professional initial standard installation by a qualified nbn technician. Further information about customer equipment and installation will be made available following consultation with RSPs, government and regional stakeholders.