A new digital television satellite service
On 5 January 2010, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy announced that the Australian Government will fund a new satellite service to provide digital television to viewers in digital black spots.
The satellite service will be made available to viewers in remote licence areas, and those in regional and metropolitan licence areas who are unable to access the range of digital television services that broadcasters deliver to their terrestrial licence areas. Eligible viewers will have access to the relevant satellite service for their area through the installation of appropriate reception equipment—including a satellite digital receiver and a satellite dish.
New legislation
On 18 March 2010 the Government introduced the Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (Digital Television) Bill 2010 to establish the legislative framework for the commercial broadcasting digital television services delivered as part of the new satellite service.
In addition to the full range of ABC and SBS digital television services, the satellite service will feature a range of commercial services equivalent to those available in metropolitan areas. This includes three core channels delivering programs from the Seven, Nine and Ten networks, as well as digital multi-channels such as GO!, 7TWO and ONE HD. The satellite service will also provide eligible viewers with access to the local news and information that regional commercial broadcasters provide to their terrestrial licence areas.
The Bill, Explanatory Memoranda and Second Reading Speech are made available on the Parliament of Australia website.
Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (Digital Television) 2010 on Parlinfo
Contact information
For information regarding digital switchover, contact:
Digital Switchover Taskforce
Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
GPO Box 4112
Sydney NSW 2001
Australia
Email: switchover@dbcde.gov.au
Information line: 1800 20 10 13
Website: www.digitalready.gov.au
