On 28 February, the National Broadband Network (NBN) will officially shut down its interim satellite service. While closure sounds threatening, that's largely good news for satellite customers, who are generally located in very remote areas and have had little choice about how they get broadband.

Remote Australians and Russel Coight wannabes take note: the Optus Thuraya SatSleeve satellite phone accessory is now available for the iPhone 6. The device enables you to turn your iPhone into a satellite phone with the click of a button; handy if you're outside of mobile range and need to make a call in a hurry.

Oh dear. iiNet is going to stop selling its satellite-based National Broadband Network (NBN) services for remote customers. The reason? Demand is so high that the satellites in question are overloaded and customers can't get acceptable performance.

Hi Lifehacker, We recently purchased a house that came with a dish antenna on the roof. What are my options with this antenna? If I buy a receiver, is it illegal to access a network without payment? My parents love watching some overseas shows, is it possible to somehow access those channels? Thanks, Satellite Star

Something to consider the next time someone tells you Australians don't want higher speeds or bigger download caps: iiNet is withdrawing one of its NBN plans for satellite customers because it is too popular and is straining the capacity of the temporary NBN satellite network.

Following testing, NBN Co has increased the maximum download and upload speeds that will apply to customers who connect using its fixed wireless and satellite services. When those services roll out in 2015, they will have a maximum download speed of 25Mbps and upload speed of 5Mbps, up from the previously planned limits of 12Mbps down/1Mbps up.