The NBN‘s satellite service is set to be replaced by Amazon’s Low Earth Orbit, Project Kuiper. NBN Co and Amazon today announced an agreement to deliver high-speed, wholesale fixed broadband to customers in parts of regional, rural and remote Australia.
The agreement will enable the NBN to transition from its existing geostationary Sky Muster satellite service over the coming years. 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.
“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,” said Ellie Sweeney, NBN Chief Executive Officer.
“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.via Project Kuiper’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology.”
Amazon is planning to launch its service in Australia from the middle of 2026. When Project Kuiper launches in Australia, the NBN 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). nbn’s wholesale LEO satellite offering powered by Project Kuiper will be available to both eligible existing and new customers within nbn’s satellite footprint, via participating RSPs.
“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,” Rajeev Badyal, Vice President, Technology at Amazon’s Project Kuiper.
“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 shortly start consultation with RSPs, regional communities and stakeholders, to help inform what speed tiers are offered, wholesale pricing and the upgrade for customers.
NBN Co will continue to maintain and operate its two geostationary Sky Muster satellites until the company transitions to Project Kuiper’s satellite network to help enable continuity for customers in parts of regional, rural and remote Australia that are reliant on satellite telecommunications. NBN Co’s 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.
