The Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme ('Scheme') is a $6.9 million initiative of the Australian Government to make mobile communications more accessible and affordable for people living or working in the most remote parts of Australia. The Scheme provides a Subsidy towards the purchase of a satellite mobile phone and has been in operation since August 2002. Applications are open until 31 January 2009.

The Scheme has been recently enhanced as part of the Government's response to recommendation 3.2 of the report of the Regional Telecommunications Inquiry (RTI).

The enhanced Scheme commenced in March 2004, extending the eligibility guidelines to maritime and aviation users and increasing the amount of Subsidy available to new applicants.
If you require further informaion, please phone 1800 674 058 or email satphone@dcita.gov.au.


Overview of the Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme.

The Scheme has been broadened and extended to 30 June 2007 in response to the findings of the Regional Telecommunications Inquiry (RTI). The RTI report provided a comprehensive assessment of telecommunications services in regional Australia and made 39 recommendations on arrangements to ensure that regional, rural and remote Australia can share in the benefits of new telecommunications technologies.

The Government has accepted all of the RTI's recommendations. Recommendation 3.2 of the RTI report states that 'the Government should consider extending the scope of its Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme to cover all users with an appropriate need for a satellite service, and provide sufficient funds to meet the full demand for the Scheme'.

The Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme at a glance

• The Scheme provides support to people who live or work in areas beyond CDMA or GSM mobile coverage.

• Eligible consumers to whom the Subsidy can be provided include individuals, small businesses, community groups, not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous corporations and volunteer emergency services. The Scheme applies to terrestrial, maritime and aviation users who meet the eligibility criteria.

• You may apply for one subsidy per person or a maximum of two Subsidies per organisation or business.

• If you live and work in Western Australia you are not eligible for the national Scheme. However, people in Western Australia may be eligible for the WA Satellite Mobile Phone Scheme.

• The Scheme provides eligible consumers a one-off Subsidy of up to $900 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.

• Your application must be approved first - the Subsidy will not be paid for a satellite mobile phone purchased before your application for the Subsidy is approved.

• The Subsidy is for the purchase of a satellite mobile phone, taking into account the various monthly access plans available. It does not cover any ongoing bills, charges or the ongoing service of the service provider.

Applications are open until 31 January 2009.

So has this been re-hashed or is it closed for good ?

am going to check it out today, however the fact were in a global recession means the government has cut it! Will get back to it soon.

Has closed! Doubt they will offer this again....Not for a while anyway.

A change to the Rebate/Subsidy avaiable to Dealers who sell Sat Phones.

http://www.dbcde.gov.au/__data/assets/p ... e_78Kb.pdf

yea gold, its good to see the scheme still alive in the wake of the rececssion! Now to hope dealers will pass on the benefits.