The short version

Key points

  • Starlink had more than 200,000 Australian connections as of 31 December 2023, according to the video.
  • The service can deliver approximately 50 to 250 Mbps in Australia, with typical latency of 20 to 40 milliseconds, although gaming latency may be higher.
  • Starlink is useful during floods, fires and other events where ground-based communications infrastructure fails.
  • Hardware and monthly service costs are considerably higher than many fixed-line broadband options.
  • The video argues that Starlink is more likely to challenge NBN satellite and wireless services than NBN fibre connections.

Starlink’s role in Australia

The discussion around Starlink overtaking the NBN has largely been driven by customers in regional and remote areas moving away from slower NBN services. The video says that more than 200,000 Australians had connected to Starlink by 31 December 2023, although that figure is now historical and may have changed since then.

Starlink’s main advantage is coverage. A user can install the dish, provide power and connect to the internet in locations where fixed-line infrastructure, mobile coverage or NBN services are limited. This has made the service particularly relevant outside metropolitan areas.

Speed, latency and reliability

The video places Starlink’s Australian download speeds at approximately 50 to 250 Mbps. It describes latency as generally being between 20 and 40 milliseconds, while noting that gaming tests were closer to 90 to 100 milliseconds. Even so, this is presented as a significant improvement over geostationary satellite services, where latency can be around 600 milliseconds.

Starlink is described as suitable for video calls and online gaming, and as having been reliable in the presenter’s testing. Performance can vary, however. Areas with many Starlink users may experience slower speeds as available capacity is shared. The video also notes that plan features, including data allowances, may change as the service develops.

Emergency and remote connectivity

A satellite connection can remain useful when floods, fires or other disasters damage ground-based internet infrastructure. The dish can be taken out, connected to power and used where satellite coverage remains available. This makes Starlink a potential emergency communications tool, particularly in locations without reliable mobile coverage.

The same flexibility also explains why Starlink appeals to people who are poorly served by NBN wireless or satellite services. For these users, the higher cost may be justified if it provides substantially better access than the available alternatives.

Cost and capacity limitations

Cost is the largest disadvantage identified in the video. The hardware is described as generally costing between $200 and $700, although discounts have been offered. The lowest monthly plan mentioned is $139 per month. These prices can be difficult to justify in areas where fibre broadband provides higher speeds for less money.

Starlink is also dependent on the capacity of a satellite network. The video argues that densely populated areas could experience congestion if too many users rely on the service in the same location. Increasing capacity would require additional satellites, so the service is not presented as a direct replacement for fibre in metropolitan areas.

NBN upgrades and satellite competition

The video refers to the Federal Labor government’s proposed $3 billion NBN upgrade for hundreds of thousands of connections. It also notes that new satellite internet competitors are expected to enter the market, including Amazon’s planned network.

The presenter describes Starlink as a possible challenge to NBN satellite and wireless services, rather than to NBN fibre. The video cites approximately nine million NBN connections compared with Starlink’s reported figure of around 200,000 in Australia, while warning that the Starlink number is not a current measurement.

TechManPat’s conclusion

I do not think Starlink will dethrone the NBN’s fibre or other ground-based connections. In my view, fibre remains the more practical option in metropolitan and densely populated areas because it offers better value and avoids the capacity limitations of a shared satellite network. Starlink is more likely to win customers from NBN satellite and wireless services, especially in regional and remote locations where it can provide a major improvement in connectivity.
Source note

This knowledge-centre summary is based on the linked TechManPat video and reflects the information available when it was published. Check current pricing, availability and policies before acting.