The Satellite Subsidy Scheme (SSS) provides a subsidy for eligible households to switch to satellite TV via the Viewer Access Satellite Television Service (VAST).
If your household relies on an analog TV signal from a self-help transmission tower not going to be converted to digital TV, you may be eligible for the subsidy.
The subsidy greatly reduces your cost to get ready for digital TV. After the subsidy, the household contribution for installation of the VAST service is expected to be between $200 and $350, depending on your location. The subsidy will be the same amount for all eligible households in each subsidy area.
The SSS will be rolled out progressively across Australia. When rolled out to your area, you must confirm eligibility for your household by applying online on this website or calling the Digital Ready Information line on 1800 20 10 13 (8am – 10pm AEST, 7 days).
What is the VAST service?
VAST is a satellite TV service which covers all of Australia. It is a direct to home digital service which provides the same number of channels available in capital cities in both standard and high definition. It also includes a channel for local news services.
The Government is funding VAST to service areas of remote Australia currently serviced by the Aurora satellite service (which currently only transmits four TV channels); areas previously serviced by self-help facilities; and to provide services to people living in any area where a good, reliable digital television signal cannot be provided terrestrially.
More information about VAST is available at Related information below.
What is a self-help transmission tower?
A self-help transmission tower is where community groups or local councils purchase and maintain the equipment necessary to receive and locally retransmit a free-to-air broadcasting service.
How do I find out if my household is eligible for the Satellite Subsidy Scheme?
Enter your address details into mySwitch on this website to find out if your locality is eligible for the Satellite Subsidy Scheme.
What is the Household Assistance Scheme?
This is another digital conversion assistance scheme set up by the Government. Under the Household Assistance Scheme (HAS), eligible households will be able to access VAST free of charge under the Household Assistance Scheme. More information about HAS is available at Related information below.
Households cannot apply for a satellite subsidy if they or anyone else at the same address, has applied for or received assistance from the Household Assistance Scheme for the same dwelling. Alternatively, a person that received a subsidy under the SSS is not eligible to receive assistance under HAS at the same address.
What happens after I apply for the Satellite Subsidy Scheme?
After you apply for the SSS, we will assess your application to determine your eligibility.
If your application is not considered eligible, or we require more information, we will contact you promptly.
If your household is eligible for the SSS, you will be sent a letter which will confirm your registration for the SSS and the service provider details. The service provider will then contact you to book your installation.
Upon installation, you must pay the household contribution amount directly to the installer.
The satellite installer will install and set-up the VAST set-top box and provide you with instructions on how to use it.
Installations will be carried out by installers experienced in domestic satellite dish installation, subject to a contract between the Commonwealth and the service contractor.
Once the installation has occurred, customers will be able to access ongoing technical advice and assistance by calling a telephone number provided by the service contractor at the point of installation. Householders will also be able to make use of a twelve month (minimum) warranty to repair and replace broken and defective equipment.
How much will I have to pay for the Satellite Subsidy Scheme?
Registered households will pay a household contribution to the service contractor at the time of installation, which will be the same for all eligible households in each subsidy area. This amount is predetermined by the Commonwealth and expected to be between $200 and $350. More information about the subsidy amount in your area is listed on the Timetable for the SSS page at Related information below.
The satellite subsidy will be provided to eligible households as a full installation service managed by a service contractor, who will be selected by the Australian Government through a competitive procurement process.