Mobile Connect

The Mobile Connect is an Australian Government program with two elements:

• the Terrestrial network extension, and
• the Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme.

The Terrestrial network extension funding of $8 million to extend terrestrial mobile phone coverage to priority locations that do not currently have coverage, and for which there are no current plans for coverage to be provided. A list of the priority locations, which the Australian Government wishes to fund under this Program has been developed drawing on advice from the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee, and in consultation with mobile phone carriers.

The Australian Government aims to ensure that the funded infrastructure is installed within the 2008-09 financial year, and that the successful applicant provides mobile phone services using that infrastructure for a period of 10 years from the completion of the infrastructure rollout.

More information about the program, including the guidelines, can be found at www.dbcde.gov.au/mobileconnect

Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme: Funding to increase the affordability of mobile satellite telephony for people living or working in areas that do not have coverage from terrestrial mobile phone networks through the provision of subsidies.

The Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme provides support to people in areas beyond 3G or GSM terrestrial mobile coverage areas. Eligible consumers include individuals, small businesses, community groups, not-for-profit organisations, Indigenous Corporations, volunteer emergency services and educational institutions.

More information about the Scheme, including the guidelines and application from, can be found at www.dbcde.gov.au/satphone An information kit can be obtained by contacting the Scheme administrator on freecall 1800 674 058 or email satphone@dbcde.gov.au.

• Document ID: 85540 |
• Last modified: 3 July 2008, 2:18pm