The Two-Speed Internet: How Starlink is Widening the Digital Divide in Remote Australia
In the wake of Cyclone Jasper’s devastating floods in Wujal Wujal, Queensland, a crucial lifeline remained intact: Starlink. While fibre optic cables snapped and traditional satellite services faltered, the low Earth orbit (LEO) network kept essential communications flowing. This stark contrast highlights a growing reality in remote Australia – a tale of two internets, where access to reliable, high-speed connectivity is increasingly determined by economic circumstance. But this technological leap forward isn’t universally beneficial; it’s creating a new kind of digital exclusion, one that threatens to leave many First Nations communities further behind.
The Rise of ‘Elite’ Infrastructure
The rapid adoption of **Starlink** across northern Australia is undeniable. With over 200,000 Australian subscriptions now active, compared to roughly 80,000 NBN Sky Muster services, it’s become the go-to solution for agencies, businesses, and even early-adopting residents frustrated with the limitations of older technologies. From schools and councils to health services and police, the reliability and speed of LEO satellite internet are proving invaluable. As one coordinator in Wadeye wryly observed, “We used to just stop working at three… we’ve all been Elon Musked.” However, this ‘Muskification’ isn’t reaching everyone.
A Growing Gap in Digital Inclusion
Recent findings from the Mapping the Digital Gap 2025 report paint a concerning picture. First Nations Australians are twice as likely as other Australians to be digitally excluded, with a digital gap of 10.5 points on the Australian Digital Inclusion Index. In very remote communities, this gap more than doubles to 24.2 points, meaning three in four people are effectively cut off. While digital literacy is improving – daily internet use has risen from 44% to 62% in two years – access remains the biggest hurdle. Access scores in these communities are a staggering 42.4 points lower than for non-First Nations Australians.
The core issue isn’t a lack of desire to connect. People *are* trying harder, but the economic realities are stark. Starlink’s upfront equipment costs (A$500-A$600) and monthly fees (A$139) are simply unaffordable for the vast majority of First Nations households. Consequently, 99% of First Nations mobile users in remote communities rely on prepaid plans, often spending over A$280 – and frequently exceeding A$400 – per month for slow speeds, limited data, and patchy coverage. Ironically, those who spend the most often receive the worst service.
Beyond Starlink: The Looming Threat of a Tiered System
The problem extends beyond Starlink itself. While new LEO satellite services from Amazon (via NBN from 2026) and Telstra (through OneWeb) promise improved reliability, they risk exacerbating the existing divide if affordability isn’t addressed. Without intervention, we’re heading towards a tiered system where fast, reliable internet becomes a premium service for those who can pay, while others are left to juggle multiple prepaid SIMs, share devices, and sacrifice connectivity just to stay online. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about access to essential services like healthcare, education, and employment.
The current situation echoes a broader trend of digital stratification. As explored in a recent report by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), digital inclusion is increasingly linked to socioeconomic status, creating a cycle of disadvantage. Without targeted policies, this cycle will only deepen in remote communities.
Bridging the Gap: Actionable Solutions
Closing the digital gap requires a fundamental shift in how we view connectivity – treating it not as a luxury, but as an essential service. Several strategies can help ensure equitable access:
- Targeted Subsidies & Concessional Plans: Providing financial assistance to low-income households to cover the cost of Starlink equipment and monthly fees.
- Prepaid-Style Broadband Products: Developing broadband plans with flexible, prepaid options to suit the needs and budgets of remote households.
- Community-Based Access Models: Investing in shared infrastructure, such as mesh Wi-Fi networks or community internet hubs, to provide affordable access points.
- Ongoing Digital Skills Support: Offering training and support within community organizations to enhance digital literacy and empower residents to make the most of available connectivity.
The First Nations Digital Inclusion Dashboard is a valuable tool for tracking progress and advocating for change. Achieving Closing the Gap Target 17 – equal digital inclusion by 2026 – is within reach, but it demands a concerted effort to ensure that the benefits of new technologies like Starlink are shared equitably, not reserved for the privileged few.
What innovative solutions do you think could help bridge the digital divide in remote Australia? Share your ideas in the comments below!
