LEOSats - the Australian policy state of play

LEOSats are poised to transform regional connectivity, with policy focus shifting to affordability and NBN integration.

Heath Gibson · Executive Manager – Industry Intelligence and Insights at NBN Australia7 June 2024Period: Q2 20244 min read

Last updated 6 May 2026

33%↑

Predicted annual growth in satellite capacity to 2030

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Key focus areas for the LEOSat Working Group

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Abstract

This report examines the evolving regulatory landscape for Low Earth Orbit Satellites (LEOSats) in Australia following the Australasia Satellite Forum 2024. It analyzes the findings of the LEOSat Working Group across five key areas: digital inclusion, universal services, direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity, emergency resilience, and IoT growth. The brief highlights the strategic interplay between emerging satellite providers like Starlink and Amazon Kuiper with existing infrastructure like the NBN, emphasizing the need for commercial frameworks that ensure consumer support and affordability.

Key Takeaways

LEOSats are identified as a primary technology for bridging the digital divide in regional and remote Australia.
The LEOSat Working Group recommends trialing services in First Nations communities to address specific affordability and access barriers.
Direct-to-device (D2D) technology is emerging as a solution for voice and SMS, though bandwidth remains lower than broadband LEOSat services.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Satellite capacity in the Asia-Pacific region is projected to grow at a 33% CAGR through 2030. This surge is primarily driven by the deployment of constellations from Amazon Kuiper, SES, and OneWeb, fundamentally shifting the economics of remote connectivity.

The LEOSat Working Group, active since 2022, has identified 5 critical focus areas including digital inclusion, emergency resilience, and IoT growth. Policy-makers are currently prioritizing service trials in First Nations communities to address specific affordability and access barriers.

NBN Co is currently evaluating LEOSat integration as the primary successor to its legacy SkyMuster satellite services. While direct-to-device technology is emerging for voice and SMS, broadband-level LEOSat services remain the core solution for bridging the digital divide in the 5 key areas identified by regulators.

Australian policy-makers are emphasizing a regulatory framework that requires LEOSat operators to establish formal commercial relationships with local telcos. This ensures that the 33% annual capacity growth is supported by domestic customer service and technical support structures.

LEOSats - the Australian policy state of play

LEOSats are poised to transform regional connectivity, with policy focus shifting to affordability and NBN integration.

Heath Gibson · Executive Manager – Industry Intelligence and Insights at NBN Australia7 June 2024Period: Q2 20244 min read

Last updated 6 May 2026

Abstract

Key Takeaways

LEOSats are identified as a primary technology for bridging the digital divide in regional and remote Australia.

The LEOSat Working Group recommends trialing services in First Nations communities to address specific affordability and access barriers.

Direct-to-device (D2D) technology is emerging as a solution for voice and SMS, though bandwidth remains lower than broadband LEOSat services.

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