Digital free-to-air TV consists of the same TV channels you currently receive through analog television, as well as some additional channels (such as ABC2, ABC3 or SBS TWO). Free-to-air broadcasters (Seven, Nine, Ten, the ABC and SBS) are expected to be progressively adding new digital channels and content over the next few years.

Digital switchover is the process of progressively turning off analog TV broadcasts across Australia and replacing them with digital.

Free-to-air television signals are currently broadcast in both analog and digital formats. During the digital switchover all free-to-air analog television signals across Australia will be progressively turned off and the broadcasters will provide only digital television signals.

Digital TV commenced in 2001 in metropolitan areas and digital signals have been broadcast in many regional areas since then. Digital broadcasts are currently transmitted alongside analog broadcasts, but when the analog signals are switched off, only TVs which are capable of receiving digital signals through a set top box or built-in tuner will work.

If your TV isn’t capable of receiving digital signals, it’s likely that you’re still viewing TV that is transmitted via analog broadcasts. An easy way to tell is whether you receive ABC2, ABC3 or SBS TWO – these are standard definition digital channels and if you can view them (and you don’t have subscription TV), it means your TV is capable of receiving digital broadcasts.

Freeview is the free digital television service in Australia. It comprises all the channels from Australia’s free-to-view broadcasters, including the ABC, SBS, Seven Network, Nine Network, Network Ten, Southern Cross, Prime and WIN. Freeview provides up to six more channels than would otherwise be received via analog television. The additional channels include ABC 2, ABC 3, SBS TWO, 7TWO, GO! and ONE. In addition, 7HD, 9HD, ABC HD and SBS HD provide simulcast programming of their main channel in high definition (HD) quality. ONE HD is also simulcast in standard definition in metropolitan areas. In the future, these simulcast channels will be replaced with unique programming. To find out which channels are available in each region of Australia on Freeview, go to www.freeview.com.au.

To receive all the channels that are offered on Freeview in your area, you will need to convert to high definition digital TV equipment. Your local electronics retailer will be able to help you find the most appropriate products for your needs.

Digital television provides vastly improved picture and sound quality, including widescreen pictures and digital audio, including radio broadcasts. Digital television also offers the benefits of more channels and content. For example, the ABC has already introduced ABC2 and ABC3 which are only broadcast in digital. SBS has SBS TWO in digital. The Seven, Nine and Ten networks have introduced high definition digital channels. Network Ten launched a digital-only sports channel, named ONE, in March 2009. Nine Network introduced GO! a digital-only channel in August 2009. Seven Network launched free-to-air digital channel 7TWO in November 2009. Gradually, each of the free-to-air television broadcasters will be introducing new digital channels and content.

Currently, analog and digital broadcasts are transmitted side by side. This process is costly and inefficient and uses most of what is known as the ‘broadcast spectrum’ – or the space that’s available for terrestrial television broadcasts. Turning off analog signals will free up a considerable amount of the spectrum so that it can be used for additional services.

Digital technology is being adopted all over the world, and it’s important that Australia keeps pace with global technological advances. Before long, analog TV equipment will no longer be available in Australia.

If your subscription TV package provides access to some or all of the free-to-air channels, you'll still be able to watch these through your subscription TV box provided the broadcasters continue to allow their signals to be carried by the subscription TV provider. However, you may not be able to access all the free-to-air channels through subscription TV, so if you want to see the standard definition or high definition channels available in your area, you may need to connect a set top box or a digital TV recorder (if your TV is analog). Alternatively, you may get a TV with a built-in digital tuner. If you are already subscribing or planning to subscribe to a subscription TV service, you should check with your provider and enquire about their options.

Some subscription TV companies provide their customers with access to digital free-to-air channels as part of their package of channels. In this case, subscription TV provides an alternative option to convert to digital television. If you are already a subscription TV customer you may not need to do anything further to convert to digital TV if you are currently able to view free-to-air channels through your subscription TV box. If you are considering subscription TV as a means of viewing free-to-air television, you may wish to check with the provider in your area as to which of the digital free-to-air channels are offered. You should also consider what will happen to your free-to-air channels if you end your subscription TV contract after analog broadcasts are switched off in your area. At this stage, one of the subscription TV providers, AUSTAR, offers, to those customers who subscribe to their MyStar service, the option of retaining their access to free-to-air services if they end their contract by supplying them with a digital receiver. If you have a Mystar digital box you should check with AUSTAR about the details of this offer. Monthly fees apply to subscription TV services. Other than the AUSTAR service mentioned above you would generally lose access to free-to-air television if you were to end your subscription TV contract after switchover unless your television has a digital tuner built in or has been adapted by the addition of a digital set top box or digital TV recorder.

A set top box consumes a small amount of additional electricity. A new television may consume more electricity than your old one, depending on what type you choose. From April 2009, Energy Efficiency labels became mandatory on all new televisions to help you choose the most efficient model. Like all electrical equipment, televisions and set top boxes continue to use power while in stand-by mode, so its best to turn them off completely when you're not using them.

Standard definition broadcast quality is superior to that obtained from analog television broadcasts, traditionally viewed on 4:3 television sets, and is ghost-free and in widescreen format.

The SD picture resolution is 576 lines x 720 active pixels @ 50Hz interlaced (576i).

The Government requires broadcasters to provide a digital SD signal at all times, even when high definition programs are broadcast. This is to ensure that viewers with SD receivers will always receive a digital television service, even when the higher quality high definition television signal is transmitted.

High definition broadcasts have image resolution that is superior to SD pictures and to the existing analog television broadcast.

Australian broadcasters are currently using four different levels of HD:

The benefits of HD pictures at the highest resolution are particularly noticeable on larger screen sets and when using projection equipment.

HD pictures are also ghost-free and in widescreen format. When viewed on a HD capable television screen the viewer can enjoy cinema-quality viewing with Dolby Digital sound (where available with some HD programming).

This is a television with a built-in digital tuner (iDTV) for receiving and displaying digital television transmissions. A set with iDTV generally incorporates a high quality widescreen display and a high-level audio capability with appropriate audio/video connectors. It does not require a digital television set top box, although connection of an additional set top box could provide recording or other functionality.

If you currently rely on an indoor antenna to get analog TV you may need to upgrade to an external antenna to receive adequate and reliable digital signals. This is because Australian Communication and Media Authority planning for digital TV services assumes that the receiving system will be an external antenna. However, in areas of high signal strength, an indoor antenna may be sufficient to receive all digital free-to-air channels.

The Government has established the Digital Switchover Taskforce to manage the digital switchover process. The Taskforce is part of the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy and is located in Sydney.

Spectrum has temporarily been allocated to community TV stations C31 in Melbourne, TVS in Sydney, QCTV in Brisbane and Channel 31 in Adelaide to simulcast their services until the switch to digital-only television in capital cities in 2013.

TVS commenced simulcasting its service via digital broadcasts in March 2010, and a new trial community broadcasting licensee, West TV in Perth, commenced digital-only broadcasts in April 2010. Melbourne and Brisbane simulcast services commenced in June, and Adelaide will commence digital services later in the year.

If community TV is being transmitted in analog-only in your area, you will still be able to receive the community TV channels if you have your TV set up to receive both analog and digital signals. If you do not know how to do this, your local TV supplier should be able to supply you with the correct cabling. Many new sets on the market now have dual analog and digital tuners and are capable of receiving the community TV channels. If you're buying a new digital TV and want to continue to watch the community TV channels prior to the digital simulcast in your area you should ask your retailer to advise you which digital TV sets also have analog tuners.

If you currently watch Imparja through an antenna, as opposed to a satellite dish, then depending on when Imparja’s digital television network is rolled out you will be able to watch the digital services of Imparja and other remote area broadcasters.

If you receive Imparja via a satellite, then these services will continue to be provided in the same way.

If your household can’t adequately receive your local terrestrial digital TV channels, the Australian Government has funded a new satellite service for digital TV called VAST (Viewer Access Satellite Television). The VAST service will give viewers access to the same number of channels available in capital cities, as well as better picture sound and quality. For more information see the ‘Satellite service for digital TV’ FAQs below.

If you are living in an area that experiences certain weather patterns, such as heavy rain or frequent storms, there can be an impact on digital television. This is much the same as the impact weather can have on analog television, however the on-screen results can be quite different. This kind of weather can produce snow or ghosting with analog signals. But with digital, the result can be freezing of the picture, pixilation, or a temporary loss of signal.

This depends on how often this is occurring. If it is regular, you should contact a qualified antenna installer to see if the situation can be improved.

Both standard and high definition television are digital formats.  Standard definition (SD) television provides digital images and sound that is considerably better than analog. High definition (HD) television is an enhancement that provides higher resolution images and Dolby Digital surround sound. If you connect a set top box to an analog television, or have a television with a standard definition digital tuner, you will receive all the standard definition free-to-air digital channels. To see all the benefits of high definition television, including the free-to-air HD channels, you need a television capable of displaying high definition images that either has a built-in HD tuner or is connected to a high definition set top box.

Digital TV is currently available in many areas of Australia. Your local broadcaster or Freeview will be able to confirm exactly what services are currently available. Their contact details are available at Useful links page.

To check when the digital switchover is happening in your area visit When do I switch?.

An EPG is the electronic version of a printed program guide. Using your remote control you will be able to see on-screen what's on now and what's on next for all free-to-air services. You may also be able to search for a particular program by theme or category e.g. sporting programs or movies.

Extra text and picture information (such as story line, episode description, etc.) can be called up as well. The EPG is available at the click of a remote control button.

Closed captioning provides deaf and hearing-impaired viewers with a text version of the dialogue, songs and sound effects included in television programs. The text is usually shown in a black box at the bottom of the picture. Current analog captioning is received on analog receivers with teletext capability. Captioning is normally closed to viewers but can be accessed by those who need it.

Closed captioning does not interfere with normal viewing. Some digital television set top boxes and integrated digital televisions include closed captioning decoding capability.

Consumers intending to purchase a digital television set top box or an integrated digital television and use closed captioning should, before purchase, check on the set top box or integrated digital televisions capabilities.

All digital television receivers carrying the Australian Government's digital TV ready labels for either standard definition or high definition are capable of displaying closed captioning.

Closed captioning of programming is incorporated in all English language news and current affairs programs as well as for all prime time programs (6.00pm to 10.30pm).

Because a digital television broadcast signal can carry much more data than analog, it is possible for broadcasters to provide more than one channel of SD programming at the same time. This is known as multichannelling. Turning off analog signals will provide viewers with extra channels, while also freeing up the broadcast spectrum for other purposes such as wireless broadband or mobile phone services.

After the switchover free-to-air television will only be available in digital so you’ll need to have a digital ready television or set top box, or subscribe to a TV service that provides your local digital free-to-air channels. To make your television digital ready, you can convert your existing analog TV using a set top box or digital TV recorder or upgrade to a television with a built-in digital tuner.

If you don’t know whether or not your TV already has a built-in tuner, check to see if you can receive ABC2 or SBS TWO. If you can see these channels, you are already watching digital TV and you don’t need to change or upgrade.

If you are receiving ABC2 and SBS TWO through your subscription TV service, you will need to check with your provider about access to other free-to-air digital channels. To contact a subscription TV provider to check your options, go to our Useful links page.

Most analog TVs will be able to receive digital TV by connecting a digital set top box or digital TV recorder. So unless your analog TV is very old (and not able to be connected to a set top box or digital TV recorder) you won’t have to replace it unless you want to. However, different TVs use different connections, so it’s important to check the connection points on your TV before you purchase a set top box or digital TV recorder. Your local TV supplier should be able to supply you with the correct cabling.

Some European countries have already completed the switchover to digital television, including the Netherlands and Sweden, while others such as Germany are close to completion or in the process of switching over. All European Union countries plan to be digital-only by the end of 2012. Like Australia, many of these countries are currently broadcasting digital television alongside analog television (simulcasting) while they phase-out analog. The United Kingdom has already commenced switchover, with the first region going fully digital in October 2007, and the United States conducted a nationwide switchover on 12 June 2009

Set top boxes, digital TV recorders and new TVs with built-in tuners are all available with either Standard Definition (SD) or High Definition (HD) tuners. Standard definition set top boxes typically cost between $30 and $80. High definition set top boxes are available from approximately $100. Digital TV recorders generally cost more than set top boxes because of their additional features, your choice of these features will determine the increased cost from a basic set top box. Replacing your television set with a set that contains a built-in digital tuner will cost more, depending on the brand, size and features that you choose. If you've already got digital TV, you won’t need to do anything more.

If you choose not to do anything you will lose access to free-to-air TV when the switchover is complete in your area. That’s why it’s important that you plan ahead and, if necessary, budget for the change to digital.

The switchover will begin in 2010 and continue until the end of 2013. It will be rolled-out progressively around the country, region by region.

Click on the link below to find out the Digital Switchover Timetable.

Digital TV is currently available in many areas of Australia. Your local broadcaster or Freeview will be able to confirm exactly what services are currently available. Their contact details are available at Useful links page.

To check when the digital switchover is happening in your area visit When do I switch?.

You should think about converting now. The sooner you convert the sooner you will be able to enjoy the benefits of digital television. If you have more than one television in your home, you might want to plan to convert each set over a course of time. But once all the TVs, VCRs and DVD recorders in your house on which you want to watch or record digital TV are converted, you don’t need to do anything more, and you probably won’t notice when the switchover occurs in your area.

You can connect a set top box or digital TV recorder to your existing analog television. You can also upgrade to a television with an integrated digital tuner. If you already have a set top box, digital TV recorder or a digital TV, you should be receiving digital signals, and will not have to do anything.

If you have or are planning to get subscription TV, contact a subscription TV provider to check your options to be digital ready.

Digital TV recorders have many names, including Digital Video Recorders (DVRs), Personal Video Recorders (PVRs), Digital Versatile Disk Recorders (DVD Recorders), Hard Disk Recorders (HD Recorders) or Hard Disk Digital Versatile Disk Recorders (HD DVD Recorders). There are many options. However a digital TV recorder is a device can both receive the digital services and record them in some format, normally to a Hard Drive.

You can connect a set top box or digital TV recorder to your existing analog television. You can also upgrade to a television with an integrated digital tuner. If you already have a set top box, digital TV recorder or a digital TV, you should be receiving digital signals, and will not have to do anything.

If you have or are planning to get subscription TV, contact a subscription TV provider to check your options to be digital ready.

Yes, unless it is so old that it can't be connected to a set top box or digital TV recorder. Once you connect a set top box or digital TV recorder to your analog TV you'll have improved picture and sound quality as well as the extra digital channels. There are many models of set top box and digital TV recorder, from the basic to the highly sophisticated, so you can choose the option that is best for you. It must be remembered that a set top box or digital TV recorder will not give you all the possible benefits of digital TV, such as widescreen pictures or high definition picture quality.

If you are able to connect a DVD player or VCR to your television, you should have no trouble connecting a digital set top box. The vast majority of people will be able to easily convert their TVs. However, if you're worried about conversion, ask your family, friends or neighbours first. The many TV retailers should also be able to help you. If you choose subscription TV, your service provider should provide full service installation and support.

If you currently rely on an indoor antenna to get analog TV you may need to upgrade to an external antenna to receive adequate and reliable digital signals. This is because Australian Communication and Media Authority planning for digital TV services assumes that the receiving system will be an external antenna. However, in areas of high signal strength, an indoor antenna may be sufficient to receive all digital free-to-air channels.

Many existing antennas will be able to receive digital transmissions without any problem, but in some cases equipment may need to be upgraded to receive reliable digital signals.

You will need to find out if your current TV antenna is designed for the same frequency band that the digital TV channels in your area are transmitted on. In some cases an antenna will need to be upgraded because the new digital channels are in a new frequency band or because the antenna is older or not in good condition.

There is no such thing as a ‘digital antenna’, but some antennas have been manufactured specifically to receive both digital and analog channels (particularly those made after 2000). You can have your antenna system assessed by an antenna installer to find out whether it needs to be replaced.

Existing wall plates and cabling may require replacement in some circumstances, for example where they are old or damaged. If the cabling needs to be replaced, RG6 quad shielded coaxial cable is recommended.

You can have your antenna system assessed by an antenna installer to find out whether it needs to be replaced.

Your building may need to upgrade its antenna system in order to ensure good quality access to digital TV. This may be necessary if, for example, components are broken, corroded, outdated or of poor quality.

You can find out more via an online facility the Government has developed called the Antenna Systems eToolkit (ASeT). When using ASeT you will be prompted to select the scenario that best matches your property, and you can view technical information about antenna equipment, cabling and installation suited to the conversion needs of your building.

To access ASeT, go to the Multi Dwelling Units page.

Responsibility for the upgrade of antenna systems in rental properties (where necessary) should be discussed with your landlord. There is no legal obligation on a landlord to supply a television antenna or to guarantee television reception. However, your landlord should be willing to finance the upgrade in order to maintain the value of the property.

There are brochures available that encourage landlords to make sure their properties are ready for digital TV. You can order free copies of the brochure by calling the Digital Ready Information Line on 1800 20 10 13.

Two handbooks have been produced that provide information about antennas and other issues that could affect digital television reception. There is one book for people living in apartment blocks and other buildings with a shared antenna system, and another book for people living in houses with a single antenna. You can find the Digital TV Antenna Systems Handbook and Digital TV Antenna Systems for Homes Handbook on the Publications page.

If you live in or manage a residential building such as an apartment building, a group of townhouses or a nursing home you might also be interested in an online facility the Government has developed, called the Antenna Systems eToolkit (ASeT).

With ASeT you will be prompted to select the scenario that best matches your property, and you can view technical information about antenna equipment, cabling and installation suited to the conversion needs of your building.

To access ASeT, go to the Multi Dwelling Units page.

The Government has developed an online facility called the Antenna Systems eToolkit (ASeT) that provides technical information about antenna equipment, cabling and installation, and cost estimates for various technical solutions to ensure adequate reception throughout buildings.

The information covers a range of digital television reception and distribution scenarios including residential buildings such as apartment buildings and groups of townhouses.

To access ASeT, go to the Multi Dwelling Units page.

There are also brochures available to provide to landlords, which emphasise the importance of checking now to make sure investment properties are digital ready, to ensure tenants will be able to receive digital TV signals once the analog signals are switched off in the area. You can order free copies of the brochure by calling the Digital Ready Information line on 1800 20 10 13.

Not all digital TV receivers automatically detect the arrival of a new digital TV channel. As a result, some receivers will require a ‘re-tune’ or ‘re-scan’ every time a new channel is launched.

Manual re-tuning of digital services is usually done through the menu button on the remote control of a digital television or set top box. Usually the option of re-tuning is available in the ‘set-up’ menu. Once you have accessed this menu you should choose 'rescan', 'store channels', 'retune' or 'replace' and allow the set to automatically identify digital services. A re-tune will identify and remember all the digital services that a television is able to receive.

If you live in an apartment building or block of units you may use a shared antenna system that requires adjustment before it can receive and distribute a new channel. If after re-tuning you still can’t view a new digital channel, an experienced antenna installer may be required to ensure that your shared antenna system is set up appropriately. Any inspection or upgrade by an installer should be arranged through your building manager or owners’ corporation (body corporate) representative.

The re-tune may delete the ‘favourite channel’ settings stored in your receiver or reset the personal identification number set for parental lock – if these features are important to you, you should check them after performing a re-tune and reset them if required.

Subscription TV provides an option to get ready for the switchoff of analog television. A subscription TV service can provide access to some or all of the terrestrial digital television channels as well as other subscription-only content.

Some subscription TV providers also provide a digital receiver with selected packages that contains a terrestrial digital tuner that allows you to watch the available local digital services you receive through your antenna as well as the subscription services.

One of the subscription TV providers, AUSTAR, offers a digital receiver (STB) to MyStar customers who end their contract after switchover in their region. This will allow those customers continued access to free-to-air digital TV. Apart from this AUSTAR offer, please remember that if you end your subscription TV contract you will lose that means of viewing digital TV.

You should be able to continue watching digital TV provided the broadcasters continue to allow their signals to be carried by the subscription TV provider or your subscription package provides access to a terrestrial digital tuner.

Please remember that fees apply to subscription TV services. To contact a subscription TV provider to check your options, go to our Useful links page.

Many existing antennas will be able to receive digital transmissions without any problem, but in some cases equipment may need to be upgraded to receive reliable digital signals. The building’s antenna may need to be assessed by an antenna installer to find out if it needs to be replaced.

You should check that your property is digital ready now to ensure your tenants will be able to receive digital TV signals once the analog signals are switched off in the area.

You may be eligible to claim a tax deduction for part or all of the cost of the purchase or upgrade of antenna equipment for your rental property. To find out whether you’re eligible, contact the Australian Tax Office (ATO), or download the “Rental Properties” guide at www.ato.gov.au/rental.

A set top box enables you to watch digital TV broadcasts on an analog TV. If you want to keep your existing analog TV, you'll need a set top box to be able to see digital free-to-air TV after the switchover. Set top boxes range from basic Standard Definition (SD) models to High Definition (HD) models and may include electronic program guides and interactive features such as pausing and replaying live TV.  Its best to shop around before you decide which set top box suits your needs.

The main difference between set top boxes is in their ability to display either standard definition (SD) or high definition (HD) digital television. More sophisticated models have features such as an electronic program guide and let you record programs to an internal hard disk drive or DVD.  Whether you choose to have an SD or HD set top box depends on your television.  An SD set top box will let you see all the standard definition free-to-air digital channels, while an HD box will also let you see the HD channels provided by the free-to-air networks.  If you connect an HD set top box to a TV that is not capable of showing programs in high definition, you'll still get the additional channels but without the high definition quality.

You will need to convert every television if you want to continue to watch free-to-air television broadcasts. So a set top box will be needed for every television you want to convert unless it already has a digital TV tuner built-in.

This depends on your circumstances. A set top box is usually the cheapest option to convert an existing television. A digital TV recorder will enable your existing analog TV to both view and record digital TV. Many new television sets contain a built-in digital tuner and don’t need anything other than an antenna. If you are already subscribing or planning to subscribe to a subscription TV service, you may wish to check with your provider and enquire about their options.

There are many different types of set top boxes. Basic standard definition models can be purchased from around $40, while high definition models range from $100 up. Very sophisticated models (which may include recording capability) can cost up to $800. The type of set top box you purchase will depend on your individual needs. If you decide to watch free-to-air channels through a subscription television digital box, check with the provider in your area about monthly subscription costs.

Be very wary of unsolicited callers who want to sell you digital television products in your home.

The Australian Government or the Digital Switchover Taskforce will not sell any digital television products door-to-door, either directly or indirectly through other companies or salespeople, or reimburse people for digital television goods or services bought from any retailers, including door-to-door salespeople.

If you are unsure about any product, service or selling arrangement, especially if a salesperson has come to your home without being asked, you should check our website or Digital Ready Information Line and make sure of the facts before you buy or enter into any commitment.

If you would like to purchase a digital TV receiver, seek advice from a retail outlet near you. Some retailers around Australia are participating in the Retail Advisor Scheme and have approved Digital Advisors in store. Digital Advisors can inform you about the options to get ready for digital television, the digital switchover labelling scheme, digital switchover and where to find more information. To qualify as Digital Advisors, staff from approved retailers must complete an online assessment. To find out which stores have Digital Advisors click here

Yes. The Australian Government will provide some services to eligible households, for example, under the Household Assistance Scheme. The Scheme has commenced in Mildura/Sunraysia TV licence area in early 2010.

Potentially eligible households will be contacted by Centrelink and invited to test their eligibility. Eligible households who opt into the Scheme will be advised that a technician from a specified company will make an appointment to visit their home and install the necessary equipment free of charge.

You can find more information about the Household Assistance Scheme here

The Australian Government or the Digital Switchover Taskforce will not sell any digital television products door-to-door, either directly or indirectly through other companies or salespeople, or reimburse people for digital television goods or services bought from any retailers, including door-to-door salespeople.

State and territory governments have special laws about door-to-door sales. Some may include a cooling off period, during which you can change your mind, cancel any contract or agreement that you have signed and request your money back. The fair trading agency in your state or territory can provide specific advice.

Contact details and information on how to lodge a complaint can be found at the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission's ‘Scam Watch’ website. If you think that a door-to-door trader has defrauded you in some way, whether by not providing the goods or services promised or taking more money than the agreed cost of the goods or services provided, you should immediately contact your local fair trading agency.

Reception difficulties are often the result of a weak signal from a transmitter that is too distant to deliver an adequate or reliable service. In some cases, a qualified installer can advise on ways of improving reception even in areas of marginal coverage.

Signal availability in the area

Viewers should check whether digital television signals are available in their area and whether coverage from the transmitter site is adequate. If a television service is not receivable in a particular area, first contact the relevant broadcaster who can confirm whether a television service is available in the area. Contact details for commercial broadcasters can be obtained from the FreeTV Australia website.

Obstructions to signals

There are a number of factors that might lead to poor reception of digital television services. These may include the following:

• weather conditions, which can cause digital reception to break up or ‘pixelate’
• signal obstructions, such as the immediate local terrain, foliage, buildings and trees
• an inadequate or excessive signal, or
• ‘impulse noise’ interference which may be generated by the use of household items such as domestic appliances, light switches or hair dryers.

Re-scan set top box

A first step for trying to improve digital television reception is to re-scan your tuner or set top box. It may be necessary to re-scan more than once to tune in to all available services in the area.

Antenna installation

If you experience difficulties with your television reception, it is important to use a technician who:

• is qualified in analog and digital television reception, and
• is able to measure television signal levels at residences.

A qualified antenna technician should be able to measure analog and digital television signal levels at residences and recommend ways to optimise and improve television reception. The technician should also be able to offer advice about:

• antenna selection
• positioning
• orientation, and
• choice of correct cables, connectors and distribution equipment.

Once measurements have been taken, the installer should be able to advise you:

• on which reception source is provides the optimum signal
• the best antenna location, and
• ensure the correct antenna type is used to receive the digital signals available in your area.

A list of Government Endorsed Antenna Installers is available on this website.

Further information on television reception

ABC TV reception information is on the ABC website www.abc.net.au/reception/freq/

SBS transmission information is on the SBS website www.sbs.com.au/transmissions

Community broadcast information is on this website www.dbcde.gov.au/television/community_television

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has published information about digital television reception that can be downloaded from the ACMA website.

The scheme has been established for retailers, as part of the Australian Government’s quality assurance measures to give consumers confidence when purchasing digital television reception equipment.

Under the scheme, retailers who supply digital television equipment can register to have their business licensed to use the Australian Government Get Ready for Digital TV logo and to nominate staff to become Digital Advisors.

In order to qualify as Digital Advisors, staff from approved retailers must complete an online assessment module. Once approved, retail staff will be able to inform consumers about the options to get ready for digital television, the digital switchover labelling scheme, digital switchover and where to find more information.

The scheme is not available to door-to-door or other roaming type businesses.

Participation in the scheme is voluntary.

All Australian Government approved Digital Advisors must wear a badge carrying the Australian Government Get Ready for Digital TV logo. The badge also displays the advisor’s name and when their digital advisor status expires.

Find a list of retailers with Digital Advisors here.

If you are interested in joining the Scheme please fill in an application form and email it to switchover_retailers@dbcde.gov.au or fax to 02 8023 3776

The application form can be downloaded by selecting one of the options below:

Application form (RTF 1,904 kb, PDF 1,511 kb).

Retailers approved for registration will be offered a licence agreement to use the Australian Government Get Ready for Digital TV logo in association with the Retail Advisor Scheme.

The licence permits retailers to use the logo in advertising and promotional material to publicise the availability of approved Digital Advisors in their store. On completion of the licensing agreement you will be given access to the Get Ready for Digital TV logo to use for promoting your services.

To become a Digital Advisor, the retail business where you work must have signed a licence agreement to participate in the Australian Government Retail Advisor Scheme. Once the business has joined the scheme, the nominated store contact will be sent the details on how to access the online assessment system. In order to qualify as Digital Advisors, staff from approved retailers must complete an online assessment module.

There is no cost to participate and no ongoing fees.

This scheme has been established as part of the Australian Government’s quality assurance measures to ensure consumers have access to skilled and endorsed antenna installers, to help them become ready for digital TV.

Antenna installers register and complete an online assessment of their skills and knowledge to qualify for Australian Government endorsement.

Installers can be endorsed at three levels: Domestic, Commercial and/or Satellite. Installers must pass the assessment for the Domestic level before completing the assessment for the Commercial and/or Satellite levels.

Businesses with an endorsed installer can register to have their business licensed to use the Australian Government’s Get Ready for Digital TV logo.

Participation in this Scheme is voluntary.

More information about the Scheme is available here

A list of Endorsed Antenna Installers is available here

All Endorsed Antenna Installers must wear a badge carrying the Australian Government’s Get Ready for Digital TV logo.

The badge also displays the installer’s name, photograph, ID number, endorsement end date, and the type of installation they are endorsed for (Domestic, Commercial and/or Satellite).

Find an example of the Endorsed Antenna Installer badge here

All Endorsed Antenna Installers agree to the Scheme’s requirements, complete a skills and knowledge assessment and provide us with information including:

• proof of one year’s experience as an installer
• details of the digital signal measurement equipment they use
• evidence that they (or their employer) have public liability insurance at a minimum value of $5 million
• their ABN or the ABN of their employer
• photo identification.

The skills and knowledge of an Endorsed Antenna Installer have been assessed against industry agreed minimum standards. These standards are based on skills and knowledge covered in Certificates II and III in Telecommunications Digital Reception Technology.

Installers can be endorsed at one or more of three levels:

• Domestic
• Commercial
• Satellite.

The Scheme is voluntary, with participation entirely at the discretion of installers. The Scheme does not certify, licence, qualify or accredit antenna installers.

Endorsement under the Scheme and use of the Australian Government’s Get Ready for Digital TV logo does not indicate that the Commonwealth Government guarantees the quality of an installer’s services, only that the installer has been assessed under our criteria as appropriate for endorsement.

The Commonwealth Government does not accept liability arising from any act or omission by installers in connection with their performance of services within the scope of their endorsement under the Scheme.

You need to register at www.digitalready.gov.au/antennainstallerlogon

You must read and agree to the Terms and Conditions of the Antenna Installer Endorsement Scheme which are available on the registration site.

To register, you must provide:

• Proof of one year’s experience in the industry conducting installations of antennas and equipment for digital television reception. You will need to provide the name and contact details of an industry referee who can verify this
• The name, model and serial number of the digital signal meter equipment you use to measure digital signal, bit error ratio (BER) and modulation error ratio (MER)
• Evidence that you (or your employer) have public liability insurance to a minimum value of $5 million. You will need to provide the details and upload a copy of the policy document or Certificate of Currency that shows who the insurance is made out to and the expiry date, and that it includes public liability cover to a minimum value of $5 million. The policy will also need to specify antenna installation as either a core or related business activity for the purposes of the insurance cover
• Your ABN or the ABN of your employer
• Photo identification, for example, a copy of your driver’s licence or passport
• A current photo meeting the same requirements specified for Australian passport photos. Find A guide to acceptable photos here

You will need to enter information and upload required documents to the online registration system. Please note that certified copies of your registration documents may be requested.

We will send you an email once your details are entered and your registration approved. You can then log on to the registration site and complete your assessment.

You must pass the assessment for the Domestic level before you can complete the assessment for the Commercial and/or Satellite level/s.

If you do not have access to a scanner we can upload your documents if you send them to:

Antenna Installer Endorsement Scheme
Digital Switchover Taskforce
GPO Box 4112
Sydney NSW 2001

Please include your full name and address on the back of all documents to help us enter your information correctly. Unfortunately we can’t return your personal documentation.

We will send you an email once your details are entered and your registration approved. You can then log on to the registration site and complete your assessment.

Please note that certified copies of your registration documents may be requested.

No. There is no cost to participate and no ongoing fees.

Your skills will be assessed against industry agreed minimum standards based on units of competency covered in Certificates II and III in Telecommunications Digital Reception Technology.

Domestic

The Domestic assessment has four modules:

• Working safely
• Coaxial cabling
• Installing antennas
• Installing equipment.

You have a specified time to complete each module but you can take a break between modules.

We recommend you allow 90 minutes to complete the Domestic assessment.

Commercial

The Commercial assessment has two modules:

• Install complex systems
• Alter and troubleshoot complex systems.

You have a specified time to complete each module but you can take a break between modules.

We recommend you allow 45 minutes to complete the Commercial assessment.

Satellite

The Satellite assessment has one module:

• Satellite free-to-air installation.

We recommend you allow 30 minutes to complete the Satellite assessment.

Yes. For the purposes of endorsement under the Scheme we need to assess the skills and knowledge of all antenna installers in a fair and consistent way.

All antenna installers will need to be registered and approved for participation in the Antenna Installer Endorsement Scheme. Once registration is approved all installers will need to complete the online assessment to be endorsed under this Scheme unless they have completed accredited training and assessment covering the units of competency from Certificates II and III in Telecommunications Digital Reception Technology listed above. This is the only training that will be accepted for exemption from the online assessment.

Yes. Antenna installers are not required by the ACMA to be registered cablers. Similarly, the Antenna Installer Endorsement Scheme does not require applicants to be registered cablers in order to gain endorsement.

For the purposes of endorsement under the Scheme we need to assess the skills and knowledge of all antenna installers in a fair and consistent way.

The ACMA regulates communications cabling. While cablers must register with an ACMA accredited registrar to do cabling work in the telecommunications, fire, security and data industries, this does not guarantee they have the knowledge and skills to carry out antenna installations for digital television reception, or that they have previously carried out such installations.

All registered cablers seeking endorsement under the Antenna Installer Endorsement Scheme will need to be registered and approved for participation. Once registration is approved you will need to complete the online assessment to be endorsed under this Scheme unless you have completed accredited training and assessment covering the units of competency from Certificates II and III in Telecommunications Digital Reception Technology listed above. This is the only training that will be accepted for exemption from the online assessment.

You can be exempted from part or all of the online assessment if you have completed accredited training and assessment covering the units of competency from Certificates II and III in Telecommunications Digital Reception Technology listed above. This is the only training that will be accepted for exemption from the online assessment.

Accredited training is nationally recognised training conducted by a training organisation registered with the government body in each state or territory responsible for education and training (i.e., a Registered Training Organisation).

Your Statement of Attainment must be issued by the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) where you completed your training and must list the units of competency completed.

You will need to upload a copy of your Statement of Attainment and information about your training and assessment to the online registration site.

This will assist us to verify that you have completed the relevant units of competency and can be exempted from undertaking all or part of the online assessment.

To find out if your training provider is a RTO, you can go to the National Training Information Service website (www.ntis.gov.au) and search on the list of Registered Training Organisations.

The Digital Switchover Taskforce, in consultation with industry bodies and trainers has developed an accredited training package for antenna and satellite installation, to be delivered through Registered Training Organisations nationally. More information about this training can be obtained through the Australian Digital Television Industry Association (http://adtia.asn.au/).

If your business employs and/or engages an Endorsed Antenna Installer, you can register for a licence under the Scheme. This licence will permit your business to use the Australian Government’s Get Ready for Digital TV logo in promotional material to publicise your employment and/or engagement of Endorsed Antenna Installer(s).

To register your business click here.

If none of the antenna installers employed or engaged by your business are endorsed, they will need to register and qualify for endorsement under the Scheme before your business can become eligible for the licence.

Yes. Most businesses with at least one Endorsed Antenna Installer, and approved for registration will be offered a licence agreement to use the Australian Government Get Ready for Digital TV logo in association with the Antenna Installer Endorsement Scheme.

The licence permits an antenna installation business to use the campaign logo in advertising and promotional material to publicise its engagement of the Endorsed Antenna Installer(s). On completion of the licensing agreement you will be given access to the Get Ready for Digital TV logo to use for promoting your services.

You can register your business here.

Industry agreed minimum standards are based on the following units of competency from Certificates II and III in Digital Reception Technology, accepted into the national accredited training framework in 2009.

Domestic (Basic) (Single Dwelling Domestic Installation)

• ICTTC170A Follow OH&S and environmental policy and procedures
• ICTTC140B Use hand and power tools
• ICTTC011D Place, secure and terminate co-axial cable
• ICTTC164A Install terrestrial antenna
• ICTTC095D Conduct radio frequency measurements
• ICTTC156A Install Digital Reception Equipment (DRE)

Commercial (Advanced) (MDU MATV Installation) Build on above skill sets, provide skills and knowledge for more complex systems (MATV/CATV) etc.

• ICTTC015D Locate and identify cable system faults
• ICTTC017D Alter services to existing cable system
• ICTTC165A Install complex digital reception systems

Satellite (Advanced) (Free-to-air Satellite Installation) Build on above skill sets, provide skills and knowledge to install satellite systems

• ICTTC163A Install satellite antenna

If you experience technical problems or have difficulties logging in to the registration system please call 1300 857 687.

The Australian Government is implementing a satellite service to provide viewers with access to digital television to viewers where they are unable to obtain adequate reception of their licence area television services. This new Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST) service will provide viewers living in regional and remote areas of Australia access to the same number of free-to-air digital television channels that are available to people in the cities.

Most Australians receive their television services from the network of broadcaster-owned transmission towers and they will continue to do so after the switch to digital. However, for those who live outside the coverage of their local terrestrial television services, this new satellite television service will ensure that they can enjoy the benefits of digital television just as other Australians.

Satellite is the most effective way of providing a service to all those viewers who live outside the coverage of the terrestrial network.

For the first time all free-to-air digital television services, including the original three commercial and two national channels, and the new digital services such as ABC2, ABC3, SBS TWO, GO!, 7TWO and ONE HD, will be available to all Australians, no matter where they live.

The VAST service will provide regional viewers with access to the local news currently broadcast in their TV licence area via a dedicated local news channel. It will also provide viewers with access to the ABC’s new 24-hour news high definition multi-channel.

Because the satellite service will cover the whole of Australia, special arrangements are needed to ensure that local news and information are provided to viewers. All regional commercial broadcasters will contribute the local news content from each market they operate in to the new satellite service.

The VAST service will provide viewers in regional and remote Australia with access to the local news services currently broadcast by the commercial broadcasters in their relevant terrestrial licence areas.

The news content will be aggregated into a dedicated local news service which will be part of the satellite service. Satellite viewers would use their remote controls to select the news service on which their local news content is broadcast. News services available via the satellite service will not be shown at the same time as those shown terrestrially but will be available as soon as possible after production of live-to-air bulletins are complete on terrestrial services. Details about the timing and presentation are still being determined by the commercial broadcasters.

The ABC and SBS news services will be provided by the ABC and SBS on the satellite, not as part of the news channel. ABC services will be state based, and SBS’s nightly national news bulletins will be broadcast on the main SBS channel. The new ABC 24-hour news channel will also be provided.

The Government will invest $375.4 million over twelve years to provide transmission of digital free-to-air television services from the new satellite platform – the Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST) service. The Government is funding the full cost of building and operating the service, for the potential benefit of up to 247,000 households across Australia. The satellite service commenced in the Mildura/Sunraysia licence area in June 2010 and will be made available to viewers in other licence areas as switchover progresses across Australia.

The Government is working closely with broadcasters to make sure that the new satellite service will be available to viewers well before the area in which they live switches over to digital-only television.

The Government has reached a funding agreement with broadcasters to provide the new satellite service. Further information on access arrangements for viewers will be available at the satellite broadcasters' website at www.mysattv.com.au.

The new satellite service will be available to viewers who are unable to receive adequate local digital television services from existing terrestrial transmitters. It will also be available to viewers in remote Australia and those who currently rely on the Remote Area Broadcasting Service (RABS). This satellite service is also known as Aurora.

The Government is working closely with broadcasters to finalise the details of how access to the satellite service will be managed.

Households that currently rely on self-help retransmission facilities which are not able to receive digital terrestrial television services, either because their self-help re-transmission facility is not converted to digital or because reception from the site is not adequate, will be able to access a new satellite service.

It is difficult to estimate exactly how many viewers will need to receive the new satellite service, but it may potentially benefit up to 247,000 households across Australia. Many of these households already rely on satellite reception for their television. The new satellite service will provide a greatly increased number of channels compared to the current limited satellite service, RABS, and viewers will for the first time be able to access local news content.

In order to access the new satellite service, households will need to install direct to home satellite reception equipment including a satellite dish and set top box with smart card.

The costs of installation will vary depending on the location, the size of the satellite receiving dish and characteristics of the receiving location. The set top box and the smart card used to control access should cost less than $270 including GST. The cost of installing satellite reception equipment will vary depending on the hourly rate charged by the installer.

Set top boxes for the new satellite service are not yet available in the Australian market. Further information on the operation of the satellite service and the availability of set top boxes will be made available on this website.

Before installing a satellite dish, households will need to contact their local council to check if a planning permit is required.

Households that currently rely on analog self-help retransmission towers to receive television services, that are not being upgraded to digital by the broadcasters, will be eligible for a Satellite Subsidy from the Australian Government to install direct-to-home satellite reception equipment.

The subsidy is in recognition of the investment made by local communities in analog infrastructure which, if not for digital switchover, would have continued to provide television services to those communities.

Households located in these areas may also be eligible for the Household Assistance Scheme(HAS). This scheme provides practical in-home assistance to households where at least one resident is receiving a maximum rate Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer payment, Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) service pension or the DVA income support supplement payment.

Households eligible for the HAS who are reliant on the new satellite service will receive the necessary set top box required to access the new VAST service. Those eligible for the HAS that also own their own homes will also receive the necessary satellite dish and external cabling.

Self-help re-transmission facilities have been set up, generally by councils or local community organisations, in areas where broadcasters have not established transmitters or where the signal from the broadcasters’ transmitter serving the area is not adequate. Self-help retransmitters currently broadcast in analog only. Broadcasters are not required to establish transmitters in every part of the licence area they have been licensed to serve. Whether or not a broadcaster establishes a transmitter in any particular part of their licence area is a commercial decision for them to make.

Self-help retransmission sites receive and retransmit signals from the main television broadcaster towers or satellites to viewers in areas that cannot get any or adequate coverage from the main broadcaster towers. Located across Australia, they were established to provide analog television signals in areas which were not serviced by the broadcasters directly, and tend to cover small population centres in remote and regional areas.

Under an agreement reached with all television broadcasters across Australia, broadcasters will upgrade a number of self-help retransmission facilities to operate in digital. Ultimately, it is a commercial decision for broadcasters as to which sites they choose to convert to digital, subject to planning approval from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

FreeTV Australia has provided the Government with a list of candidate sites for conversion. The Government has also written to the licensees of self-help retransmission facilities indicating whether the broadcasters propose to upgrade their facility. However, conversion of a facility is a matter for negotiation between the broadcasters and the licensee of the facility.

In the Sunraysia/Mildura region, which was the first licence area to switch to digital-only television, the broadcasters selected the self-help retransmission site at Underbool to be replaced with a new digital facility at nearby Walpeup .

If a retransmission site is not upgraded to digital, viewers reliant on the site will be eligible to receive their television services from the VAST service, if they are unable to receive an adequate signal from another transmitter in their area.

If a local community that relies on a self-help retransmission facility that is not converted to digital by the broadcasters, chooses not to move to the Government-funded satellite service, then the community may choose to upgrade the self-help facility to digital at its own expense, subject to planning approval from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

The Government is not contributing to the upgrade of self-help retransmission facilities.

The Australian Government will provide a subsidy to eligible households that currently rely on analog self-help retransmission towers that are not converted to digital.

When the analog signal is switched off, households that currently rely on a self-help tower that will not be converted to digital will need to access television via satellite. The Australian Government has funded a new satellite service called VAST which will give viewers access to the same number of channels as are available in the capital cities, as well as better picture sound and quality. To access the new satellite service, households will need to install a satellite dish, a VAST set top box and a smart card. The satellite subsidy is for this purpose.

The satellite subsidy will be a minimum of $400 per household, with higher amounts of $550 for households in defined very remote areas and $700 for households in defined far north tropical areas. The two higher levels of subsidy are in recognition of the extra travel costs to install satellite television reception equipment and the additional dish size required in tropical areas and some other remote areas.

In addition to these amounts, households in defined remote indigenous communities may be eligible for an additional $280 worth of assistance, recognising the remoteness and unique circumstances of households in these areas.

Over and above the satellite subsidy, most households will be responsible for meeting some of the costs of the installation. This is consistent with the fact that most Australians will incur some cost to convert to digital, such as the purchase of a set top box or in some cases an antenna upgrade.

Regional households will be able to apply for the satellite subsidy during the switchover period in their region.

Applications for households in regional South Australia opened in July 2010 and will close on 31 October 2010. Analog services in regional South Australia will switch off on 15 December 2010.

Further information about eligibility criteria and how to apply will be available on this website in June 2010. Eligible households in the Spencer Gulf area will be contacted by letter in early July.

The subsidy opening dates for households in remote switchover areas will be published in July 2010.

Yes, both of these services will be available on the new satellite. Unlike the existing Aurora remote satellite service, the new Government-funded digital satellite service will carry the full suite of free-to-air television channels in all regions of Australia. The new digital television satellite service, known as the Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST) service, will be provided by Eastern Australia Satellite Broadcasters Pty Ltd, which includes Imparja and Southern Cross Media.

The VAST service will provide the same number of channels that are currently available in metropolitan areas: programs from the Seven, Nine and Ten networks and the national broadcasters’ main channels, ABC1 and SBS ONE, along with digital channels ABC2, ABC3, ABCHD, SBS TWO, 7TWO, GO! and ONE HD. A new ABC 24 hour news channel is expected to replace the current ABCHD service later this year.

The VAST service will also provide viewers with access to the local regional news services currently broadcast by the commercial broadcasters in their relevant terrestrial licence areas. These services will be provided through a dedicated news channel. In addition, the news services of the national broadcasters, the ABC and the SBS, will also be provided. ABC news will be provided on a state basis.

Access to the VAST service will be managed by the use of a smart card, which will come with the set-top box. Viewers will need to activate the smart card to receive commercial television services, but the smart card will be pre-activated to receive the national (ABC and SBS) services.

The Australian Government recognises that some Australians – the elderly, people with disabilities and their carers, without access to community support – may require assistance to switch to digital TV. That’s why the Government has announced the Household Assistance Scheme for eligible households in the Mildura, regional South Australia, regional Victoria and regional Queensland TV licence areas. Lessons learned from the roll out of the Scheme in these areas will help inform the approach taken to the broader switchover around the rest of Australia.

The Scheme will involve a government-contracted installer visiting eligible households to supply, install and demonstrate the use of a high definition set top box, at no cost to the recipient. Where the household is entitled, the installer will also undertake any necessary upgrades to the household’s external cabling or antenna.

Households may be eligible for assistance where they own a functioning TV, do not already have access to digital TV and at least one resident is in receipt of a maximum rate:

• Age Pension;
• Disability Support Pension;
• Carer Payment;
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) service pension; or
• the DVA income support supplement payment.

Each member of a place of residence in receipt of the maximum rate of one of these payments may be eligible to receive an assistance package except where there are two eligible people residing together in a couple or couple-like relationship as determined by Centrelink. Where two eligible people are in a couple or couple-like relationship, only one assistance package will be provided.

Most importantly, a household must live in a TV licence area that is currently switching to digital. To find out when your area is switching to digital TV visit the rollout map.

Centrelink will write to potentially eligible customers inviting them to participate in the Household Assistance Scheme approximately six months before their region is due to switchover. Those residing in the Mildura TV licence area received their letters in January 2010 and a further letter was sent in April.

After contacting Centrelink to test your eligibility for the scheme, if you are determined to be eligible for assistance, the service contractor will contact you to arrange an appointment for an endorsed installer to visit your home and provide the assistance package.

The Government needs to take a balanced approach to providing assistance to convert to digital TV. We have focussed on those groups most likely to need practical assistance.

Experience from overseas suggests that maximum rate (i.e. full pension) aged, disabled, carers and veteran equivalent pensioners are the groups most likely to experience technical and practical difficulties converting to digital TV. Therefore the Scheme is directed to people who have both practical need but limited financial capacity to purchase assistance.

Maximum rate recipients of the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment and Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Service Pension or the DVA Income Support Supplement payment have been identified as the best proxy for this group likely to experience barriers.

The Australian Government introduced the Scheme to provide technical assistance to overcome practical barriers experienced by people in switching over to digital TV. The Scheme focuses exclusively on providing practical/technical rather than financial assistance.

In addition to being a recipient of the maximum rate of one of the eligible payments, a household must also own a functioning TV and not already have access to digital TV. By already having access to digital TV, the household has displayed an ability to convert to digital TV without requiring practical or technical assistance under the Scheme.

Yes, there is. If you do not own your place of residence, the government-contracted installer can supply and install a set top box and upgrade the indoor antenna or cabling if required, but they cannot make changes to external antennas or cabling. You may wish to speak to your landlord or the relevant body corporate or owners corporation to arrange these upgrades—if required.

If you own your home, the government-contracted installer can supply and install a set top box and make any necessary changes to your external cabling and antenna system. Depending on where you live, you may need permission from your body corporate, owners corporation or local council before any changes can be made to external antennas. It is your responsibility to seek any relevant permissions before the installer can carry out any external cabling and antenna work to your home.

If you live in a residence with a shared antenna system, which is often found in residences such as units, apartments and other multi-dwelling units, it is most likely that a body corporate or building owner will be responsible for external antenna and cabling upgrades.

If people living in nursing homes or shared disability housing own the television that they watch, each eligible recipient residing in shared living arrangements, such as a nursing home or shared disability accommodation, is entitled to receive assistance.

However, the upgrading of external antennas or cabling in care facilities, such as nursing homes or shared disability accommodation, is the responsibility of the property owner and will not be included in the assistance package.

Yes, you can. Customers may nominate a Recognised Customer Agent (agent) to act on their behalf for the purposes of the Household Assistance Scheme. Customers can nominate an agent when speaking with Centrelink when testing their eligibility for assistance under the Scheme.

An agent will interact with the service contractor and government-contracted installers for the purposes of scheduling appointments; making any decisions relating to any installation work under the Scheme; confirming that any relevant permissions have been sought and signing off on any work undertaken during the service call.

If you are nominating an agent, it is important to be aware that they will be required to be present during the visit by the government contracted installer, otherwise the service will not proceed.

No, there is not, provided your home is clear of any debris, and is a safe environment for the government-contracted installer to enter and work within. Service contractor(s) are required to comply with Occupational Health and Safety laws and are not required to provide services to customers where the installer and/or the service contractor(s) determines that the customer’s premises is dangerous to enter or work within.