Reliable internet is one of the biggest technology frustrations across the South West — especially on rural properties and in the growing towns around Busselton and Margaret River. The two options we’re asked about most are Starlink and the NBN. Here’s how they compare for our region.
The short answer
- In town or an established area? NBN (especially fibre or fixed-line) is usually cheaper and plenty fast.
- On a rural property, a farm, or somewhere with poor fixed-line options? Starlink is often the game-changer, delivering fast internet almost anywhere with a clear view of the sky.
NBN: good where it’s good
Where you can get a solid NBN connection, it’s typically the better value. The catch in our region is that connection types vary a lot street to street — some areas get fast fibre, others are stuck on slower or congested links. It’s worth checking exactly what’s available at your address rather than assuming.
Starlink: coverage almost anywhere
Starlink uses low-orbit satellites, so it works in places fixed-line internet never reached well — sheds, paddocks, remote homes and businesses near Augusta, Nannup and the back blocks of the Capes. Speeds are strong and latency is far better than old satellite services. The trade-offs are a higher monthly cost and the need for a clear view of the sky.
Getting the most from either one
Whichever you choose, the connection is only half the story. We regularly see good internet let down by weak WiFi that can’t reach across a home, office or property. A mesh WiFi setup — and, on larger sites, cabling to key buildings — makes a huge difference.
If you’re weighing up your options, talk to us. We’ll look at what’s actually available at your address, what your business needs, and set up the WiFi so the whole place is genuinely online.