NBN Co Pushes Next-Generation Satellite Launch to Mid-2027

NBN Co has confirmed its next-generation satellite internet plans will not be available until after the middle of 2027, well beyond the fourth-quarter 2026 launch it originally planned. The service is intended to give regional and remote Australians access to newer satellite connectivity and eventually replace the current Sky Muster offering.

The next-generation service will use Low Earth Orbit satellite technology similar to that of Starlink, but it will be backed by Amazon Leo. The delay is at least partially attributed to Amazon running behind schedule on its satellite deployment. Amazon was meant to have 1,618 satellites in orbit by the end of July but currently has around 400.

An NBN Co spokesperson said the company has made significant progress on the service, including extensive industry and stakeholder consultation, planning and product development. "We're excited to now be moving into the next phase of testing and readiness activities," the spokesperson said. "This is an important step in providing existing Sky Muster customers with a clear and supported pathway to transition and ensuring regional and remote Australians can benefit from the next generation of satellite connectivity."

NBN Co still plans to launch the service with 50Mbps and 100Mbps speed tiers offering unlimited data, and says faster options may follow. The plans will require new hardware compared with what current satellite NBN customers use, though professional installation will be included at no charge. All current satellite NBN customers will eventually need to move to the next-generation plans.

The company described the transition as an important step in giving existing Sky Muster customers a clear and supported pathway forward, and in ensuring regional and remote Australians can benefit from newer satellite technology.

NBN Co plans to decommission its current Sky Muster satellites by the end of 2029, meaning all existing satellite customers will need to move to the next-generation plans before then. NBN Co says it is now moving into testing and readiness activities ahead of the revised mid-2027 launch window.