COVID 19: IPSTAR offers free Internet services to regional Australians

The broadband provider says the offer means that families in regional, rural and remote areas can work and study from home without worrying about “expensive and capped internet plans” using its free Sky Muster Plus plan.

“Families receiving Family Tax Benefit A or B can now sign up to the plan free-of-charge, with the typical household having 70% of all internet usage unmetered, including web browsing, reading and sending emails, and scrolling through social media,” the company announced on Monday.

IPSTAR says the only metered services – still free of charge – will be video streaming and activities on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), covered by a 10GB monthly allowance.

IPSTAR Broadband managing director, Shannon Fisher, said “there are many Australians who have no internet connection at home”.

“We want to connect the unconnected Australians who are often left behind,” Fisher said.

“Families in regional, rural and remote areas are feeling the pinch and we want to help them stay afloat.

“Droughts, bushfires, floods and now COVID-19 are hindering Australian families and their livelihoods.

“Parents of school-aged children are now being asked to not only work from home but also help their children with schooling.

“We are providing these families with free-of-charge plans to ensure they can continue to earn a wage or obtain an education when they are being asked to stay at home.”

IPSTAR Broadband says it is increasing its capacity by 40% to cater for extra demand to decrease network congestion while prioritising education traffic during the critical hours of 9am to 3pm such as Google Classroom and other education applications.

Eligible families will receive installation free-of-charge and must:

• Receive Family Tax Benefit A or B; and
• Not be connected; or
• Not have been connected for at least the last six weeks.