In March 2024 Telstra announced a new broadband and voice product offering – the Telstra Satellite Home Internet bundle, which utilises Starlink LEO satellites to deliver voice and broadband connections.
Plan Details
Equipment Costs = $599 upfront for the Starlink Standard Kit which includes
- Starlink antenna,
- Kickstand,
- Starlink Gen 3 Router,
- Starlink Cable (15 m),
- AC Power Cable (1.5 m), Power Supply)
- Telstra Smart Modem/Router with free delivery which connects to the Starlink Gen 3 Router. The Telstra router provides Wi-Fi. 4 x LAN ports and 2 x Fx ports (for phone services).
NB: Telstra Smart Modem will arrive in a separate package and is included for free if you stay on the plan for 24 months. If you leave within 24 months, you will need to return your smart modem or pay a $200 non return fee. (Add-on Smart Wi Fi Boosters available at an extra cost.)
Cost per Month = $125
AutoPay from a credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express) or direct debit via a bank account.
Customers who are eligible for concessions will be eligible under this plan too.
Inclusions:
- Unlimited data
- VOiP home phone connection with unlimited calls (local, national, mobile, 13 calls), overseas 30 minutes to any country. You can transfer your existing landline number if it is already with Telstra. MessageBank, Calling Number Display
- Estimated typical peak speeds of 50 Mbps maximum download and 10 Mbps upload. Please note this differs from speeds offered directly from Starlink.
Speeds may be impacted by various other factors such as kit location, sky visibility from that location, and severe weather conditions.
- Australian call centre/app for faults and assistance, in store assistance
- 4G mobile broadband backup (in 4G coverage areas)
- 30-day service guarantee
- The manufacturer’s warranty is 24 months from the date of the original purchase.
Accessories:
- Telstra also sells various Starlink accessories including roof mounts, cables and ethernet adapters. You can view these and their costs here.
- Uninterruptible Power Supply for Smart Modem. Details here.
Support:
Customers can message Telstra, use the My Telstra app, call Telstra’s contact centre or visit a store. There is no dedicated number for Starlink support, however you will be prompted with questions to reach the right support team. More information on how to contact Telstra for Starlink support here.
Installation:
If you want to permanently install Starlink on your roof, Telstra sells Starlink accessories including mounts and you can get a professional to install this for you, at your own cost.
BIRRR has some details on how to choose an installer here
Please note: The licensed professional will need to ensure they do not interfere or damage the antenna or equipment itself when installing the Starlink kit and follow any relevant installation guides to avoid any impact this may have on the warranty.
Service Specifics:
- If you are offered the Starlink service as a replacement to your existing USO voice service (landline), there are different consumer guarantees, inclusions and costs – BIRRR has further details here.
- Service Availability: Service not available to all areas, site addresses or customers. The type of service offered may need further qualification checks to determine what’s available at your location. If this happens, Telstra will notify you and if you’re not satisfied you can cancel your order free of charge.
- A limited Starlink App may be accessed in conjunction with the Telstra service. If you download the app and connect to your Telstra Smart Modem, you will be able to see some Starlink network diagnostics to understand obstructions and service outage information.
- Customers who already have existing Starlink Kits can change to a Telstra plan (not the Starlink Gen 1 kit). Telstra assesses whether you can sign up with an existing kit or not.
- You must comply with Starlink’s Acceptable Use Policy (as amended from time to time) located at tel.st/starlink-use.
- You must comply with Telstra’s FairPlay Policy and not use your service in an unacceptable, unreasonable or fraudulent manner, or in a way that detrimentally interferes with the integrity of, or causes significant congestion to, the network. Telstra may take action if you breach the FairPlay Policy, including suspending or cancelling your service.
- Telstra Satellite Internet is restricted to use at the home address it is connected to. Satellite Internet can’t be moved around or used on moving vehicles or vessels like cars, vans, RVs, boats or aircraft. You must provide Telstra with accurate and current information about your service. If you are planning to move, contact Telstra to discuss transferring your plan to your new address.
- A Static IP is not available for Telstra Satellite Internet services.
- Telstra claims that the Starlink connection is “splash and weather resistance”. BIRRR experience is that Starlink equipment can be damaged by extreme weather and connections may be impacted by rain, dust, high humidity, smoke and other weather conditions. Telstra has been conducting trials of the Starlink product, over many different locations, throughout various states for many months. This testing has covered everything from the impact of rain, voice performance, service up time and general home usage and Telstra continue to to undertake testing to gain further information about this technology.
Telstra Satellite Internet (Powered by Starlink) Critical Information Summary here.
More details here as well as an unpacking video.
Order the Telstra Satellite Internet (Powered by Starlink) here
