Telstra’s Starlink internet plan is finally available (and cheaper): Is it worth it?
Telstra's satellite home internet plan via Starlink will cost less than a plan from Starlink itself, but there's a small catch.
It was back in July 2023 when Telstra first announced it would offer satellite internet plans and voice services to rural and remote Australians through its partnership with Elon Musk-owned service Starlink.
Several months later the wait is finally over.
How much does Telstra's Starlink satellite internet plan cost?
Here's a quick overview of how much you can expect to pay for Telstra's satellite internet plan and what you get in return:
- The plan will cost $125 a month with an upfront hardware cost of $599 for the Starlink Standard kit.
- You'll get unlimited data and a download and upload speed cap of 50Mbps and 10Mbps respectively. These can vary based on external factors such as sky visibility, kit location and severe weather conditions.
- The plan will come a Telstra Smart Modem 3, same as what you get with Telstra NBN.
- The modem will come with a home phone connection and 4G backup (with up to 25Mbps speeds) which can be handy if there's ever any issue with your satellite connection.
- There's a 30-day service guarantee meaning if you're not satisfied with your connection you can return the kit and get a refund on all fees.
You can head to Telstra's website directly to check availability at your address and sign up accordingly.
Remember that if you want to install Starlink permanently on your roof, you will need a professional to install it.
Telstra isn't offering professional installation at this time.
Telstra's satellite internet plan vs Starlink
A couple of key differences between Telstra's satellite internet plan and Starlink is price and speed.
Telstra's plan will cost $125 a month as opposed to Starlink's $139 a month.
However, Telstra's download speeds are capped at 50Mbps whereas according to Starlink, its users can experience download speeds between 25Mbps and 100Mbps on its standard residential plan.
Where Telstra's setting itself apart is its modem and home phone connection. Plus you can head to a local store or chat to an agent online if you need support.
At the end of the day, who you choose will depend on what your needs are.
You can also compare other satellite internet plans on Finder to see if you can find a different plan to fit your budget and need for speed.
