August 6, 2025 – Sydney — Australia’s state-owned internet provider NBN Co has selected Amazon’s Project Kuiper over Elon Musk’s Starlink to deliver satellite internet services to remote parts of the country starting next year.
Under the agreement announced Tuesday, Amazon’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites will begin replacing two aging government-owned satellites that are due to be decommissioned by 2032. The new system aims to provide high-speed connectivity to around 300,000 homes and businesses currently outside the reach of NBN’s land-based network.
Though financial details were not disclosed, the deal represents a major boost for Amazon’s still-developing Kuiper network—and a significant setback for Starlink, which dominates the LEO satellite internet market and already serves over 250,000 customers in Australia, according to industry figures.
Despite having launched only 78 satellites since its first launch in April 2025, Project Kuiper is expected to grow to more than 3,200 satellites, interconnected via optical links. In contrast, Starlink, operated by Musk’s SpaceX, has deployed over 8,000 satellites since 2019 and is considered the global leader in LEO satellite services.
In a joint statement, NBN and Amazon emphasized that the decision followed a “rigorous procurement process.” However, they did not specify why Kuiper was chosen over Starlink.
NBN’s Gavin Williams, Chief Development Officer for regional and remote services, acknowledged Project Kuiper’s untested status in Australia but expressed confidence in Amazon’s commitment. He noted that Amazon is investing $15 billion into Kuiper, calling it a reliable long-term partner.
When asked if Elon Musk’s ownership of Starlink influenced the decision, Williams stated that the process considered “technical, operational, and commercial imperatives,” along with regulatory and legal responsibilities—though he did not elaborate.
The move underscores Australia’s strategy to modernize its internet infrastructure in rural regions while diversifying its tech partnerships. Though Starlink continues to operate widely in Australia, the Kuiper deal signals a shift toward competition in the satellite broadband space.
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