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. On 5th March 2009 the
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy External announced the enhancement of the Scheme and its extension until June 2013.
NOTE: The subsidy scheme changes from time to time.
For full details of the current subsidy scheme, visit the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
website.
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