Telstra's Starlink plans are cheaper, slower, and available now

Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor

Last updated 26 March 2024

Starlink modem and Telstra Smart Modem 3

Telstra has launched its consumer Starlink offering today, selling a plan that's cheaper than Starlink itself sells, but with slower maximum download speeds.

Telstra's Starlink plan is billed at $125 per month, and is limited to speeds of 50Mbps. Meanwhile, Starlink charges $139 per month, but provides speed guidance of between 20Mbps and 100Mbps for its residential plans. In both cases, you're looking at $599 in upfront hardware fees.

The other key difference is Telstra's Starlink plans also come with its third-generation Smart Modem. This provides an easy option for using a home phone with Starlink, as well as 4G backup for those that live in a Telstra mobile coverage area. 4G backup speeds are limited to 25Mbps, as with Telstra's NBN backup.

4G backup is arguably more beneficial with technology like Starlink, which is more prone to outages due to issues like obstructions. It's worth noting that 4G will only spin up if there's an issue with satellite connectivity. If the Starlink connection drops out and requires 4G fallback, the delay can still be enough to kick you out of a video call, for example.

The Smart Modem 3 can also be paired with Telstra Wi-Fi Boosters in larger houses. These cost $288 each.

Otherwise, Telstra's Starlink offering also includes a standard Starlink modem and satellite dish. Customers don't need to use the Telstra Smart Modem 3, but it is needed for 4G backup and phone calls.

There are a few logistics worth considering if you're thinking about Starlink. The biggest is the placement of the satellite dish itself. It needs a clear view of the sky for optimal connectivity, and objects like trees and antennas can be an issue. There's also the fact the satellite dish lives outside, while the modem is inside. They're connected via a 15m cable (which also powers the satellite dish) so there's some flexibility.

(It is worth noting that it's illegal to do your own fixed cabling in Australia. Any under-floor, in-wall, or in-roof cabling must be done by a registered cabler.)

If you're putting the Starlink dish on a roof, you may want a mount to keep it in place. Telstra sells these starting at $75 outright. Telstra currently isn't offering professional installation, but plans to do so in the second half of the year.

As with Starlink itself, Telstra has a 30-day service guarantee. If Starlink doesn't end up being right for you, you can return the kit within their first 30 days and get a full refund of both hardware and plan fees.

Read our Starlink review here.

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Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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