Sky Muster takes service to new level

An Exmouth family have helped the NBN reach a significant milestone, becoming the 100,000th house to sign up to its satellite network.

The Sky Muster satellite network provides National Broadband Network access to customers in regional Australia and has had a sevenfold increase in take-up in recent months.

The network provides two different levels to its service, with the standard plan offering a set data limit each month, whereas the Sky Muster Plus service provides unmetered data for online services.

In response to an increase in demand because of COVID-19 social distancing requirements, NBN Co temporarily increased data download limits on the standard Sky Muster Satellite service and expanded the range of unmetered applications on its premium service.

NBN Co chief development officer regional and remote Gavin Williams said the network provided a vital service to regional Australia, allowing customers to remain connected to work, school and education, entertainment, family, and friends.

“These times have highlighted the unique position regional Australia finds itself in,” he said. “Whether it’s the future of work, connectivity, liveability, or affordability, regional Australia is poised to become the true alternative to life in the big smoke.”

The Federal Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the satellites provided internet to the most difficult to reach locations where other broadband offerings were often limited.

“Australia’s NBN Co has maintained a strong focus on delivering for regional and remote Australians, including during COVID-19,” he said

Mr Fletcher said the data boost for Sky Muster was announced in March.

“This has supported productivity, social cohesion, and connectivity in the regions,” he said.

The Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government Mark Coulton said regional connectivity remained a priority for the Federal Government.

“Thanks to the Sky Muster network, Australians in regional areas are now in a much better position to access telehealth services, undertake distance education for themselves and their children, and connect their businesses to global markets,” he said.

“As a regular user myself, I encourage Australians to give Sky Muster a go if they are in the Sky Muster footprint and have not yet tried it.”

Sky Muster services are available to around 430,000 premises in rural and remote Australia.