Telstra launches Starlink plan for small businesses at residential prices (and speeds)

Telstra has announced a new Starlink plan for small businesses that will cost the same as residential plans.

This follows Telstra’s commitment back in July 2023 to provide Starlink-powered fixed broadband and voice services to rural Australians — including business customers.

The service will be available for businesses with up to five employees and will cost $125 a month, in addition to the one-time $599 setup cost of Starlink.

The plan offers unlimited data with download speeds of up to 50mbps and upload speeds of up to 10mbps.

It’s worth noting that there are already Starlink business plans available at higher speeds — but they’re more expensive.

These plans start at $176 per month and come with 220mbps download speeds as well as up to 25mbps upload speeds.

So if you need those higher speeds, this new plan may not work for you. But if you require a more basic connection for your business, Telstra’s decision to match consumer pricing for its small business customers could provide a more affordable option.

The new plan is being positioned as a solution for businesses operating in areas where traditional internet services have historically been unreliable or unavailable.

Connectivity has long been a challenge for rural and remote small businesses, which make up around 30% of all small businesses in Australia.

Telstra’s business group executive, Amanda Hutton, emphasised the significance of the partnership, reiterating that satellite technology can provide broadband access to businesses in geographically challenging areas.

“By leveraging satellite technology, we’re able to ensure that some of the most isolated businesses can access broadband internet,” Hutton said.

“According to our recent Business Tech State of Play report, the connected tech that will have the biggest and most positive impact on Australian SMBs over the next one to two years is renewed access to fast, reliable and secure internet connectivity. Businesses can’t unlock new and exciting opportunities if they don’t have good access to connectivity!”

This news follows a recent price increase for Telstra business SIM plans.

Basic plans are rising from $62 to $65 per month, the Essential plan from $72 to $75, and the Premium plan from $95 to $99. Pre-paid plans will also see adjustments from October, with the $35 plan increasing to $39.

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