Sky Muster Plus is a bit like paying for a premium economy seat on a plane - it costs a bit more and you'll get a slightly better experience, but don't expect first class.
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While essential broadband activities such as internet browsing, checking emails and specific software updates will have no impact on monthly data caps under NBN Co's new Sky Muster Plus product, it isn't going to lift maximum plan size or reliably increase speeds.
Launching the product in Dubbo this week, Communications Minister Paul Fletcher said some online activities including internet banking, accessing health or government services, updating smartphone and PC software and access to social media would not contribute to a household's monthly data allowance if they signed on to the new Sky Muster Plus plans.
"Sky Muster Plus is a great example of the flexibility of the NBN satellites, delivering tailored products to allow consumers to access greater benefits from their Sky Muster service," he said.
Minister for Regional Services Mark Coulton said Sky Muster Plus users would have more opportunities to embrace online services.
"Today's announcement will improve connectivity and provide families with a fast and reliable service to stay in touch with loved ones and build their businesses," he said.
Better Internet for Rural, Regional and Remote Australia spokesperson Kristy Sparrow said the new product had some flaws, but overall was a step in the right direction.
"The biggest negative people would find is the actual cost of Sky Muster Plus," she said.
"We encourage NBN Co to look at the wholesale price of the product because the cost is quite high.
"It is also difficult for people to know how it will benefit them unless they are very familiar with their browsing habits. It might not be easy to work out what plan to go for."
Ms Sparrow said BIRRR was happy the NBN had made improvements to the product.
"I was delighted in my trial that I found 37 per cent of my data was unmetered," she said. "What I am excited about is that if all your data is used up by the kids watching Netflix, you won't get shaped (slowed down) to do the essential tasks, so I can still conduct my business even when you're shaped on metered data."
"I would encourage NBN to continue working on enhancing the Sky Muster satellite, and we are appreciative of their efforts so far."
Information on the Sky Muster and Sky Muster Plus plans can be found on the providers' websites or through the BIRRR website or Facebook group.