NBN Co’s Starlink rival delayed until mid 2027

Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor

Last updated 27 August 2026

NBN Co today confirmed that its next-generation satellite internet plans won't be available until after the middle of 2027, despite initially planning a full launch in quarter four of this year.

While NBN Co will be using similar Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology to Starlink, NBN Co's service will be backed by Amazon Leo instead. WhistleOut understands that the delay is at least partially due to Amazon running behind schedule. The company was meant to have 1,618 satellites in orbit by the end of July, but currently only has around 400.

An NBN Co spokesperson told WhistleOut the company has made significant progress in the development of its next-generation satellite 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," said the spokesperson. "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 its next-generation satellite plans with 50Mbps and 100Mbps speed tiers with unlimited data, but says faster options may come down the line. The plans will require new hardware compared to what current satellite NBN customers use, but professional installation is included and free of charge.

All current satellite NBN plan customers will eventually need to move over to the next-generation plans, with NBN Co set to decommission its current Sky Muster satellites by the end of 2029.

Alex Choros

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Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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