NBN & Amazon to boost Aussie regions with Project Kuiper LEO

NBN Co and Amazon have entered into a new agreement to deliver high-speed fixed broadband services to regional, rural, and remote locations throughout Australia using Amazon's Project Kuiper low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology.

The partnership is set to provide internet connectivity to over 300,000 premises that fall within NBN's existing satellite service footprint. Customers will be able to access the service via participating Retail Service Providers (RSPs) once Project Kuiper's service launches in Australia, which is expected from the middle of 2026.

Transition to LEO broadband

Under the agreement, Project Kuiper's network will offer low-latency, high-bandwidth satellite connectivity, representing a shift from NBN Co's current geostationary Sky Muster satellite service. The transition aims to improve the speed, capacity, and reliability of broadband for customers situated in areas where traditional infrastructure is unavailable.

NBN Co will begin a consultation process with RSPs, regional communities, and other stakeholders to determine the appropriate service tiers, wholesale pricing, and customer upgrade procedures. This process will assess the provision of equipment and the availability of professional standard installation and assurance at no cost to eligible existing NBN satellite customers, helping to facilitate the switch to LEO technology.

Technology deployment

Project Kuiper's satellite system will comprise over 3,200 satellites interconnected in low Earth orbit, making use of high-speed optical links to create a resilient mesh network. These space-based assets will be integrated with a global network of antennas, fibre links, and internet connection points on the ground. The company reported that 78 Kuiper satellites are already in orbit, following three launches in less than three months, with further deployments scheduled.

Voices from NBN Co

Ellie Sweeney, Chief Executive Officer at NBN Co, described the agreement as a major development for connectivity in underserved regions. In her statement:

"LEO satellite broadband, supplied by NBN Co and powered by Amazon's Project Kuiper, will be a major leap forward for customers in parts of regional, rural and remote Australia.

"This important agreement will complement our other major network upgrades that have involved the rollout of full fibre services across much of our fixed line network and the deployment of the latest 5G millimetre wave technology to improve the speed and capacity of our fixed wireless network.

"Australians deserve to have access to fast, effective broadband regardless of whether they live in a major city, on the outskirts of a country town or miles from their nearest neighbour. That's what nbn was set up to deliver. By upgrading to next generation LEO satellite broadband powered by Project Kuiper, we are working to bring the best available technology to Aussies in the bush.

"Transitioning from two geostationary satellites to a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites will help to ensure the nbn network is future-ready and delivers the best possible broadband experience to customers living and working in parts of regional, rural and remote Australia.

"We plan to bring faster, lower latency broadband to Australians living and working in regional, rural and remote areas, enabling their ongoing participation in the economy for work, study, telehealth, streaming entertainment and connecting with family and friends.

"This new LEO service will eventually replace our geostationary satellites, and we are committed to working with regional communities to ensure we provide continuity of service and make the transition as smooth and seamless as possible."

Amazon's perspective

Rajeev Badyal, Vice President, Technology at Amazon's Project Kuiper, emphasised the technological advancements and customer focus underpinning the new system. He said:

"We've designed Project Kuiper to be the most advanced satellite system ever built, and we're combining that innovation with Amazon's long track record of making everyday life better for customers. We're proud to be working with nbn to bring Kuiper to even more customers and communities across Australia and look forward to creating new opportunities for hundreds of thousands of people in rural and remote parts of the country."

Managing Sky Muster's future

NBN Co indicated that its current Sky Muster and Sky Muster Plus geostationary satellites will remain operational and viable until approximately 2032. The company is assessing future options for these assets, which will continue to provide service until the transition to LEO satellite broadband is complete for all customers within the existing footprint.

Both current and prospective customers within the NBN satellite footprint, including those utilising Sky Muster and Sky Muster Plus, are eligible to register interest to receive updates regarding the forthcoming LEO service. Installation by a qualified NBN technician will be provided at no initial cost for a professional standard installation for eligible customers, following consultations with stakeholders and retailers.