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Reachnet Satellite NBN Broadband Plans Compared May 2018

Delivering satellite broadband via NBN's Sky Muster service, Reachnet aims to bring high-speed Internet to Australians who live off the beaten track.

How does Reachnet compare?
Reachnet satellite NBN plans
Reachnet extras
Why should you consider Reachnet?

Reachnet focuses on supplying NBN services via satellite to regional Australia, although the nature of the Multi-Technology Mix means that you could end up on satellite even if you live relatively close to a major town.

You can sign up for Reachnet's plans on a month-to-month basis or on a contract for 12 or 24 months, but keep in mind that Reachnet doesn't offer voice services. If you want a home phone service, you'll need to purchase it elsewhere.

Reachnet satellite NBN plans

Reachnet's NBN plans are only available for premises covered by the Sky Muster satellite service.

As a result, only two NBN speed tiers are available: Basic (nbn12) and Standard (nbn25). On the data front, Reachnet's NBN plans come with between 50GB and 300GB of monthly data, though this data is split between peak-time (7:00am to 1:00am) and off-peak (1:00am to 7:00am) caps.

On a Basic 12Mbps connection, this gives you a choice between the following six plans:

  • Reach 20, which includes 20GB peak data + 30GB off-peak for $35 a month.
  • Reach 40, which includes 40GB peak data + 60GB off-peak for $50 a month.
  • Reach 70, which includes 70GB peak data + 100GB off-peak for $70 a month.
  • Reach 100, which includes 100GB peak data + 150GB off-peak for $100 a month.
  • Reach 150, which includes 150GB peak data + 150GB off-peak for $115 a month.
  • Reach 200, which includes 200GB peak data + 100GB off-peak for $160 a month.

Boosting your Internet speed to Standard (25Mbps) on any of these plans will cost you an extra $5 a month.

Monthly pricing is identical regardless of contract length, as are the $0 set-up fees. The only advantage of signing up for the long term is a reduction in the cost of your broadband modem. In exchange, however, you'll have to pay a $165 early termination fee if you break a 12-month contract or a $275 fee if you abandon a 24-month contract.

Thankfully, you won't have to worry about excess data charges with Reachnet. Going over your monthly peak or off-peak data cap sees your Internet speed slow to 128Kbps during that time of day for the rest of the current billing cycle.

Reachnet extras

Naturally, you'll need a compatible modem-router for connecting your Internet-enabled devices to your broadband connection. If you don't already own one, Reachnet will bundle a Basic Wi-Fi router with any of its plans for $95, dropping the cost to $60 if you sign up on a 12-month or 24-month contract.

Reachnet doesn't provide hardware specifications for the Basic Wi-Fi router, but does claim that it's "suitable for a 1-2 bedroom timber home" connecting 3 to 5 devices on plans up to 50Mbps. If you'd prefer something more powerful, there are three other models to choose from with prices going up to $385. All modems incur a $15 delivery fee.

Remember that Reachnet doesn't offer voice services, although you could sign up for a third-party VoIP service over your broadband connection. Alternatively, you may want to stick with your copper phone line or mobile phone service.

How does Reachnet compare?

Reachnet keeps its monthly pricing and set-up fees consistent regardless of contract length, with the only advantage of signing up for a contract being a small discount on the cost of your modem.

As such, the below comparisons are all based on Reachnet's more flexible month-to-month plans. It’s also worth keeping in mind that some rivals might bundle a voice service into their plans.

How do Reachnet's satellite NBN plans compare?

Reachnet's entry-level plans stack up extremely well against the Sky Muster competition, offering the cheapest deal with at least 20GB of peak data. Clear and SkyMesh offer plans slanted towards off-peak usage, which might be more attractive for night owls or those who configure their computers to download files in the middle of the night.

However, rival satellite providers start to undercut Reachnet as you dial up the peak data allowance, so it's worth shopping around.

Like most satellite providers, Reachnet charges $5 extra a month to upgrade from Basic 12Mbps speeds to Standard 25Mbps speeds. The above comparisons are equally applicable whether you sign up for a Basic connection or a Standard connection.

Why should you consider Reachnet?

If you're reliant on a Sky Muster satellite connection and your data needs are relatively modest, Reachnet should certainly be on your shortlist. The value for money starts to slip as you demand a higher monthly download limit, but it's still in the ballpark thanks to its $0 set-up costs and affordable modem pricing.

However, be sure to give some thought to the peak and off-peak data situation as Reachnet doesn't offer the off-peak heavy deals that some competitors do. Also keep in mind that Reachnet doesn't offer voice services, so if you need a phone service you'll need to arrange that separately.

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