Amazon Leo nbn® Plans in Australia
Satellite internet in Australia will be changing in 2026. nbn® has teamed up with Amazon’s Leo (formerly Project Kuiper) to bring faster, more reliable LEO broadband to over 300,000 homes.
Register to receive updates about plan pricing and information as it becomes available by mid-2026.
Keep up to date with the launch of Amazon Leo
To stay informed about Amazon Leo nbn® plans, including early access opportunities, pricing information, and availability updates, register your interest using the form below. Be among the first to experience the next generation of satellite internet in Australia.
Revolutionary Satellite Internet Coming to Regional Australia in 2026
Skymesh is excited to announce a groundbreaking development in satellite internet technology for regional, rural, and remote Australians. nbn® has signed an eight-year contract with Amazon’s Project Kuiper to deliver next-generation Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite broadband to over 300,000 customers across Australia. This significant partnership will revolutionise internet connectivity for Australians in remote areas who have previously relied on the nbn® Sky Muster® geostationary satellites.
As Australia’s largest Sky Muster® internet service provider, Skymesh is at the forefront of this technological evolution, committed to ensuring our customers receive the best possible internet service as this transition unfolds.
Read on to learn more about Amazon’s Kuiper and register below to keep up to date with news on the project as it is announced.
What is Amazon Leo (formally Kuiper)?
Amazon Leo, formerly known as Project Kuiper, is Amazon’s ambitious satellite internet initiative designed to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved communities worldwide. Similar to SpaceX’s Starlink, Project Kuiper utilises a constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites that orbit much closer to Earth than traditional geostationary satellites.
The Project Kuiper constellation will eventually consist of more than 3,200 satellites positioned in low Earth orbit, approximately 391 miles (630 kilometres) above the Earth’s surface. This proximity to Earth significantly reduces latency and improves connection speeds compared to traditional satellite internet services.
Amazon has established dedicated facilities for manufacturing and processing these satellites, including a 100,000-square-foot processing plant at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre, demonstrating their long-term commitment to this project.
Project Kuiper Timeline and Development History
Amazon’s journey with Project Kuiper has been marked by strategic planning and steady progress:
- October 2021: Amazon initially announced Project Kuiper, outlining plans to deploy 3,236 satellites in low Earth orbit to provide global broadband coverage.
- July 2022: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted Amazon approval for its satellite constellation, setting requirements for orbital deployment and debris mitigation.
- December 2022: Amazon unveiled its customer terminal designs, showcasing innovative phased array antenna technology that would enable affordable, compact user equipment.
- September 2023: The company completed construction of its satellite production facility in Kirkland, Washington, establishing capacity to build multiple satellites per day.
- January 2024: Amazon announced partnerships with multiple launch providers including United Launch Alliance, Blue Origin, and SpaceX to secure the necessary launch capacity for its constellation.
- April 2025: The first prototype satellites were successfully launched on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, beginning the orbital testing phase.
- July-August 2025: Additional satellite deployments continued, with the constellation gradually expanding towards operational capability.
- April 2025: nbn® announced the eight-year partnership with Amazon Kuiper to replace Sky Muster® services, marking a major milestone for the Australian telecommunications landscape.
This ambitious timeline demonstrates Amazon’s commitment to building a robust satellite internet infrastructure that will benefit communities worldwide, with Australia being among the first countries to secure a nationwide implementation partnership.
Sky Muster Plus vs Kuiper: What’s Changing for Australian Users
The transition from Sky Muster Plus to Amazon Kuiper represents a significant technological leap for satellite internet users in Australia. Here’s how the two systems compare:
| Sky Muster Plus | Kuiper | |
|---|---|---|
| Satellite Orbit Height | Geostationary orbit at approximately 36,000km above Earth | Low Earth Orbit at approximately 630km above Earth |
| Latency (Response Time) | Typically 550-650ms latency due to the long distance signals must travel | Expected to deliver latency as low as 30-50ms, similar to many fixed-line connections |
| Speed Capabilities | Current plans offer download speeds up to 100Mbps | Expected to offer download speeds above 100Mbps for standard residential connections. Full details yet to be announced. |
| Data Handling | Features unlimited data subject to nbn’s fair use policy | Specific data policies not yet announced, but LEO satellite systems typically offer more generous data allowances without data caps |
| Traffic Management | nbn reserves the right to shape certain traffic during peak periods. This shaping primarily affects peer-to-peer file sharing, cloud uploads and software/game updates | Expected to provide more consistent performance with less need for aggressive traffic management due to higher overall capacity |
| Simultaneous Connections | Can support a limited number of simultaneous users and devices before performance degradation | Higher bandwidth capabilities will better support multiple connected devices and users simultaneously |
| Weather Resistance | More susceptible to severe weather-related disruptions | Multiple satellites in view at once provide redundancy and improved resistance to weather effects |
| Real-time Applications | Despite big improvements over standard Sky Muster, Sky Muster Plus still has latency limitations impacting online gaming and other real-time applications | Low latency makes it suitable for video calls, cloud gaming, telehealth, and other latency-sensitive applications |
| Terminal Equipment | Requires a fixed satellite dish | Expected to use smaller, more advanced phased array antennas |
The nbn®’s decision to transition from Sky Muster Plus to Kuiper reflects the significant technological advantages of LEO satellite technology and represents a major upgrade for regional, rural, and remote internet users across Australia.
Kuiper vs Starlink: How Do They Compare?
While both Amazon Kuiper and SpaceX’s Starlink aim to provide global satellite internet coverage, there are several key differences between these competing services:
| Starlink | Kuiper | |
|---|---|---|
| Constellation Size | Currently has approximately 8,000 operational satellites in orbit with plans for a much larger constellation | Plans for 3,232 first-generation satellites, with over 100 currently in orbit |
| Deployment Timeline | Began consumer services in 2021 and has established a significant head start | Still in the early deployment phase with full service expected to begin in 2026 |
| Technology | Utilise advanced LEO satellite technology that offers significantly lower latency than traditional geostationary satellite services | Utilise advanced LEO satellite technology that offers significantly lower latency than traditional geostationary satellite services. Focuses on highly efficient satellite design with innovative phased array antennas |
| Integration with nbn® | Operates independently in Australia without formal nbn® integration, requiring users to manage their own equipment installation and support | Has secured an exclusive partnership with nbn® in Australia to replace the Sky Muster® service, providing significant benefits for users: • Professional installation and equipment will be provided at no cost for existing Sky Muster users • Maintenance, repairs, and installation services will continue through nbn®’s national technician fleet • The migration process will be free and fully supported, with nbn® also exploring self-install options for eligible customers |
For Australian consumers, especially those in regional areas, the partnership between nbn® and Project Kuiper represents a significant advantage, as it ensures seamless integration with existing nbn® infrastructure and support systems with no additional costs for transitioning customers.
When Will Amazon Kuiper Be Available in Australia?
According to the partnership announcement between nbn® and Amazon’s Project Kuiper, the transition from the existing Sky Muster® satellites to the new Kuiper LEO service is set to begin in mid-2026.
nbn® will continue operating the current Sky Muster satellites until all customers are successfully migrated to the new service, ensuring continuity of internet access during the transition period. This careful migration approach means there will be no service interruptions for existing Sky Muster users.
The rollout will prioritise the over 300,000 regional, rural, and remote Australian customers currently served by the Sky Muster satellites. For existing Sky Muster users, the transition will be managed by nbn® in coordination with service providers like Skymesh.
How Much Will Amazon Kuiper nbn® Plans Cost?
While specific pricing details for Amazon Kuiper nbn® plans have not yet been finalised, nbn® has indicated that the pricing will follow a tiered structure similar to other nbn® technologies. This suggests that customers can expect familiar plan structures with varying speed tiers.
According to the announcement, wholesale pricing, RSP terms, and speed tiers are still under stakeholder consultation. As Australia’s largest Sky Muster® provider, Skymesh is actively participating in these consultations to ensure our customers receive the best possible value.
For existing Sky Muster users, nbn® has confirmed that:
Professional installation and equipment will be provided at no cost
- The migration process will be free and fully supported
- Maintenance, repairs, and installation services will continue through nbn®’s national technician fleet
Skymesh is committed to providing competitive pricing for Amazon Kuiper nbn® plans as soon as the wholesale pricing structure is finalised. We will keep our customers informed of developments as they occur.
Footnotes:
Eligible customers are customers with fixed address Premises within the current nbn satellite footprint that can receive nbn’s wholesale LEO satellite offering, powered by Project Kuiper, including both existing Sky Muster and Sky Muster Plus satellite service customers and new customers within the current nbn satellite footprint. Installation would be provided at no cost for a professional initial standard installation by a qualified nbn technician. Further information about customer equipment and installation will be made available following consultation with RSPs, government and regional stakeholders.
Disclaimer:
The information provided about Amazon Kuiper and nbn® services is based on publicly available announcements and industry reports as of August 2025. While Skymesh has made reasonable efforts to ensure accuracy, we have not independently verified all details provided by nbn® or Amazon regarding the upcoming service. Specific features, pricing, availability dates, and technical specifications of Amazon Kuiper services may change as the project develops. This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered a binding offer or guarantee of future service provisions.
Have Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions about Amazon Kuiper in Australia
Is Amazon Kuiper the same as Project Kuiper?
Yes, Project Kuiper is Amazon’s official name for its satellite internet initiative, though it’s often referred to as Amazon Kuiper. Both terms describe the same satellite internet constellation being developed by Amazon.
Will Amazon Kuiper replace all nbn® satellite services in Australia?
Yes, according to the partnership announcement, Amazon’s Project Kuiper will eventually replace the existing nbn® Sky Muster® geostationary satellites for the over 300,000 regional, rural, and remote customers currently served by this technology.
Can I keep my current Sky Muster service instead of switching to Kuiper?
nbn® plans to migrate all Sky Muster customers to the new Kuiper service, but the transition will be carefully managed to ensure service continuity. The existing Sky Muster satellites will remain operational until all customers are successfully migrated.
Will I need a new satellite dish or equipment for Amazon Kuiper?
Yes, Amazon Kuiper uses different technology that requires new user terminal equipment. However, nbn® has confirmed that professional installation and equipment will be provided at no cost for existing Sky Muster users.
How fast will Amazon Kuiper internet be in Australia?
While specific speed tiers have not yet been announced, LEO satellite technology like Amazon Kuiper typically offers significantly faster speeds than traditional geostationary satellite services. The lower orbit allows for much better performance, with speeds potentially comparable to fixed-line nbn® services.
Will Amazon internet service have data caps?
Specific plan details, including data allowances, have not yet been announced. However, nbn® has indicated that the service will follow a tiered structure similar to other nbn® technologies, which suggests that various data allowance options may be available.
When will Amazon’s Kuiper be available in my area?
The transition to Amazon Kuiper is scheduled to begin in mid-2026 for areas currently served by Sky Muster. The specific rollout schedule for different regions has not yet been announced, but Skymesh will keep customers informed as more details become available.
How does Project Kuiper compare to other satellite internet options in Australia?
Project Kuiper’s integration with nbn® provides a significant advantage over other satellite providers operating independently in Australia. This partnership ensures coordinated service delivery, technical support, and infrastructure integration within the established nbn® framework.
Will weather affect Amazon Kuiper internet service?
While all satellite services can be affected by extreme weather conditions, LEO satellite technology like Amazon Kuiper is generally less susceptible to weather-related disruptions than traditional geostationary satellite services. The large constellation also provides redundancy that helps maintain connection stability.
Can I use Amazon Kuiper for streaming, video calls, and online gaming?
Yes, one of the main advantages of LEO satellite technology is significantly reduced latency, which makes it much more suitable for real-time applications like video conferencing, streaming, and online gaming compared to traditional satellite internet.
Keep up to date with the launch of Amazon Kuiper
Skymesh is proud to be at the forefront of this exciting development in satellite internet technology. As Australia’s largest Sky Muster® provider, we are actively working with nbn® to ensure a smooth transition to Amazon Kuiper for our customers.
To stay informed about Amazon Kuiper nbn® plans, including early access opportunities, pricing information, and availability updates, register your interest using the form below. Be among the first to experience the next generation of satellite internet in Australia.
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