Starlink might be in the air to provide rural broadband

• Author: Chris Keall
• Published date: 03 December 2022
• Publication title: Whanganui Chronicle

The Remote Users Scheme, announced by Rural Communities Minister Damien O’Connor and Digital Economy Minister David Clark, is aimed at owner-occupied properties, farmhouses occupied by sharemilkers, and occupied dwellings on iwi land

Those who think they might be eligible can apply via Crown Infrastructure Partners’ website.

CIP will then put the work out to tender. Any provider is welcome to submit a proposal.

A spokesman for Clark’s office said there would be nothing to stop Musk’s Starlink bidding to connect rural homes under the scheme.

Starlink charges $1049 for a satellite dish, cable and wi-fi router setup. The Musk-owned firm has previously talked up a cost-effective way to deliver fast internet to properties too remote to be commercially viable for local providers, and outside the reach of the public-private Rural...