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The Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme

The Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme (the Scheme) is an Australian Government initiative to help people living or working in the most remote parts of Australia purchase satellite mobile phones.

The following points summarise its features.

  • The Scheme provides support to people who live or work in areas beyond 3G or GSM terrestrial mobile coverage.
  • The Scheme applies to terrestrial, maritime and aviation users who meet the eligibility criteria.
  • Eligible consumers include individuals, small businesses, community groups, not-for-profit organisations, Indigenous Corporations, volunteer emergency services and educational institutions.
  • There is a limit of one subsidy per person or a maximum of two subsidies per organisation or business. Indigenous Corporations that demonstrate a need to adequately service a number of remote communities may apply for more than two subsidies.
  • The Scheme provides eligible consumers a one-off subsidy of up to $1000 towards the purchase of a mobile satellite phone (conditions apply).
  • The subsidy is for the purchase of a satellite mobile phone through a registered dealer. The subsidy is paid to dealers, who deduct it from the retail price of the phone to consumers.
  • The application must be approved before the phone is purchased—the subsidy will not be paid for a satellite mobile phone purchased before the application for the subsidy is approved.
  • The subsidy is for the purchase of a satellite mobile phone and does not cover any ongoing bills, charges or the ongoing service of the service provider.

The Government enhanced the Scheme as part of the Connect Australia package and extended the closing date from June 2007 to June 2009.

An independent mid-term evaluation of the Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme was undertaken in 2005–06 to assess its appropriateness, efficiency and effectiveness against its strategic and operational objectives (a link to this document is on the right of this page).

Information for phone purchasers

Purchasers must use the form below.

Note: Original applications must be signed and returned by mail (not by email or fax).

Information for phone dealers

Dealers wishing to participate in the Scheme are required to register each financial year.

Note: Dealer Agreements must be signed and returned by mail (not by e-mail or fax).

3G and GSM mobile phone services

Coverage maps provided by carriers provide more detailed information on 3G and GSM mobile phone services in Australia.

Media Releases

  • Document ID: 7300 |
  • Last modified: 1 July 2008, 9:20am