Government's satellite phone subsidy gets more generous

Stuart Corner
Tuesday, 04 August 2009 13:02

IT Industry - Strategy

The Australian Government has upgraded its satellite phone subsidy paid to certain users who live and work outside mobile coverage areas.

The upgrade is part of the Government's initial response to the Glasson Review of Regional Telecommunications, as announced in March 2009 . Funding of $11.4 million will be provided for the scheme over four years from 1 July 2009. Prior to the Government accepting Glasson's recommendations, the scheme had been scheduled to cease on that data.
 
The subsidy is now available to all individual users and to health and emergency services organisations outside of handheld mobile coverage. Previously, the subsidy was available only outside of the coverage area of mobile devices enhanced by an external antenna.

The government says it is now easier for health and emergency services to apply for the subsidy. And where previously there was a limit of two subsidised handsets per organisation, that limit has now been removed. Organisations are able to access subsidies for additional handsets if they can demonstrate a need for more.

The subsidy has been increased from 65 percent to 80 percent of the handset cost, to a maximum of $1000, and can be used to replacement handsets purchased over three years ago. The subsidy is paid to dealers who reduce the retail price of the handset accordingly.