NBN Co to replace Sky Muster with Amazon Project Kuiper

NBN Co has confirmed plans to shift its satellite Internet customers to Amazon’s Project Kuiper, a next-generation low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network. This move is set to replace the ageing Sky Muster service before the current satellite fleet reaches the end of its operational life in the early 2030s.

The agreement between NBN Co and Amazon marks a significant step forward in delivering faster and more reliable Internet to regional and remote areas of Australia. While the partnership had been speculated earlier in the year, it is now official, and preparations are underway for the large-scale transition.

Approximately 307,000 premises fall within the existing Sky Muster satellite footprint, though fewer than 78,000 are currently active services. These customers will eventually be upgraded to the Project Kuiper platform as NBN Co phases out the geostationary Sky Muster satellites.

What this means for customers

Details around how the transition will be handled - including rollout timelines, available plans, and wholesale pricing - are still being developed. NBN Co has committed to working closely with Internet providers, regulatory bodies, and regional communities to ensure the upgrade process is smooth and that future service offerings meet the specific needs of remote users.

Initial testing and early rollouts of Project Kuiper in Australia are expected to begin in Tasmania by mid-2026, providing an opportunity for NBN Co to evaluate the performance and logistics of this new satellite solution.

A major tech shift for regional connectivity

Unlike traditional geostationary satellites, low Earth orbit systems like Project Kuiper are designed to deliver lower latency, higher speeds, and more stable connections - a major benefit for customers in remote areas who have long faced performance limitations.

NBN Co has confirmed it is funding the Kuiper deal independently, without requiring additional taxpayer investment. The arrangement is also non-exclusive, allowing for potential collaborations with other providers in the future.

This transition represents a future-focused move by NBN Co to modernise rural and regional Internet infrastructure, ensuring communities across Australia aren’t left behind as technology evolves.

Need help finding the right Internet plan?

With big changes on the horizon, it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re on a plan that suits your location and usage needs. At Compare Broadband, we help you cut through the confusion and connect to the best available Internet plans - satellite, fibre, fixed wireless, or otherwise.

Call Compare Broadband today on 1300 764 000 to find the right Internet solution for your home or business.