The Albanese Government is boosting connectivity, with new tech 600km above Australia set to deliver faster broadband to up to 300,000 homes and businesses.
A historic agreement signed between NBN Co Limited and Amazon Project Kuiper will bring city-quality broadband to Australia’s hardest to reach places.
This nation-building agreement is another step towards Australia becoming the most connected continent and is targeted to help rural and remote areas of Australia.
NBN Co’s agreement with Project Kuiper will deliver broadband internet services via a constellation of Low Earth Orbit Satellites (LEOSats), about 600 kilometres above the Earth.
“It is critical that a country as vast as Australia prioritises connectivity regardless of postcode,” says Minister for Communications, Anika Wells.
“Providing better broadband from the cities to the regions is a key element of our plan to make Australia the most connected continent.”
“Our Government embraces new technology, particularly when it helps to deliver essential services.”
“The agreement between NBN Co and Project Kuiper will boost access to reliable, fast and affordable broadband internet across Australia.”
“This will improve public safety, provide resilience during natural disasters and improve quality of life for all Australians, especially in regional and remote communities.”
This represents a major change in technology from NBN Co’s existing Sky Muster satellite services and will ensure continuity of high-speed internet for people living and working in regional and remote areas.
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NBN Co will consult with retail partners and regional stakeholders regarding the timing of upgrading users of Sky Muster satellites to Project Kuiper’s services. Access to existing Sky Muster services will continue until the transition to the new service is complete.
“Right now, too many Australians in regional, rural, and remote areas don’t have access to fast and reliable internet, and the Albanese Government is focused on fixing this,” commented Minister for Finance, Senator Katy Gallagher.
“This agreement between NBN Co and Project Kuiper will help to address this longstanding issue, boosting opportunities and driving productivity for workers and businesses across the country.”
The announcement complements the Government’s continued investment in the NBN to upgrade premises currently using outdated fibre to the node technology, and the expansion of the fixed wireless footprint.
“Adopting new technology is essential in ensuring our digital economy keeps pace with the world,” adds Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, Andrew Charlton.
“People throughout Australia deserve access to world-class technology that lifts living standards and creates more opportunities.”
“The Albanese Labor Government will continue to invest in technology in a way that captures the economic opportunity, ensuring the benefits are spread equitably.”
Adrianne Saplagio is a Content Producer at Comms Room, where she combines her passion for storytelling with her expertise in multimedia content creation. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for engaging audiences, Adrianne has been instrumental in crafting compelling narratives that resonate across various digital platforms.
