Head Office: 109 Scott St, Cairns QLD 4870 // Phone: 07 4040 2000 / 1300 787 798
Satellite Phone Subsidy
The Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme is an Australian Government initiative to help people living or working outside of terrestrial mobile phone coverage to purchase satellite mobile phones.
TeleBiz is an authorised dealer under the Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme, meaning we are able to supply satellite phones at a subsidised rate for approved applicants.
Information for phone purchasers
- Eligible consumers include individuals, small businesses, community groups, not-for-profit organisations, Indigenous corporations, emergency service organisations, health organisations and educational institutions.
- Eligible applicants must spend 180 days over a two year period outside of terrestrial mobile phone coverage.
- The application must be approved before the phone is purchased.
Who is eligible?
You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident or be a registered business in Australia.
You must live, work, or operate a business in an area not served by a current terrestrial mobile phone service or where a terrestrial mobile phone service is not planned for introduction within 12 months of the application.
Aviation users must operate in Australian airspace and maritime users in the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone or those of Australia’s external territories.
You must be one of the following:
- A private individual
- A community group
- A not-for-profit organisation
- An Indigenous Corporation responsible for the operation of designated communities
- A small business of less than 20 full-time equivalent employees–including casual and part-time
- A volunteer emergency service. Volunteer emergency services are those which are not principally government-funded and operate with principally unpaid voluntary operational staff. As well as being volunteer based, emergency services must declare that there is a significant portion of the service’s jurisdiction that is not covered by any other communications such as UHF/VHF/HF radio communication.
Who is NOT eligible?
- Local, State or Australian Government Departments and authorities, such as Local Councils, are not eligible. Such Departments and authorities may be able to access attractive corporate rates for satellite mobile phones and services. Contact service providers for information.
- You are not eligible if the phone is solely for international use.
- You are not eligible if you have already received any other type of Government-funded Subsidy for a Phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of phone is covered by the subsidy?
There are a variety of satellite phones covered by the subsudy scheme. Talk to TeleBiz about what is the most suitable model for you. To access the subsidy, the mobile satellite phone must be either handheld or non-handheld and used in a mobile environment. This includes phones that are installed and used in a vehicle or vessel. Importantly, the subsidy will not be provided for phones that are fixed to a homestead, building or other immobile structure. If you are in doubt as to the eligibility of a specific phone, please contact TeleBiz on 1300 787 798 before you (approved Phone Purchaser) proceed with a purchase.
2. Can I apply for the subsidy when I purchase the phone, or after I have purchased the phone?
No. Your nominated Dealer can only give you a phone if you produce an Approved Purchaser Form (sent to you by the Department if your application is approved). Dealers are not able to approve your application. If you have already purchased or connected the satellite phone, you will not be eligible for the subsidy.
3. What if I need the phone urgently and cannot wait for the subsidy to be approved?
The Department cannot approve subsidies for phones already purchased or connected. If you purchase a phone prior to having your application approved, you will pay the full price of the phone and your application for a subsidy will be unsuccessful. If you consider your case to be urgent, you can contact the Department to discuss the timing. However, you cannot purchase your phone until you receive your approval documentation. Only the Department can approve your application. Dealers are not able to approve your application.
4. What if I consider that I don't have terrestrial mobile coverage but my application is rejected on the basis that I do?
To determine whether the nominated area has mobile coverage, the Department considers all coverage, from any providers, for 3G or GSM terrestrial mobile coverage. After taking the above into account, if you still maintain that you do not receive mobile phone coverage in your area, the Department will review the decision if you can provide further material, to demonstrate that the area does not have mobile coverage.
Any such material must demonstrate that you have made inquiries about the coverage for 3G or GSM terrestrial mobile coverage from all available service providers for the area in question.
5. What do I need to know when applying for a subsidy for a replacement handset?
To be eligible for a replacement subsidy you must either permanently live, or your business headquarters must be permanently located in an area without mobile phone coverage. Proof of this must be submitted with your application (for example a fixed line phone bill or a rates notice). The original satellite phone must have been purchased with a subsidy paid from the scheme three or more years ago.
6. Do I need to identify a Dealer on the application form?
Yes. This is a mandatory field and there will be delays in processing your application if you leave it blank. Your application cannot be approved until it has been filled in. If you are approved, your nominated Dealer needs to receive approval documents from the Department before they can sell you a phone under the Scheme.
7. What if my local dealer is not registered under the Scheme?
Your local dealer can apply to be registered under the Scheme. Application forms can be requested from the Department and are available on the Department’s website www.dbcde.gov.au/satphone. The dealer can apply for registration at the same time that you submit your application nominating them as your Dealer.
8. What if I want to change Dealers?
You can purchase your phone from another Dealer but you must request this in writing (email, fax or letter are acceptable) from the Department first. The Department will then issue you with a new Approved Purchaser Form identifying your new Dealer and will notify your new Dealer of the approval.
9. Can I get an extension after my approval has expired?
No. Once your approval has expired it is no longer valid. If you are still interested in purchasing a phone under the Scheme, you will need to submit another Application Form and wait until this application is approved before purchasing your phone.
10. Can I get an extension before my approval expires?
Yes. Requests for extension will be considered if you (the Phone Purchaser) apply in writing (email, fax or letter are acceptable) to the Department before your approval expires. If the Department approves the extension, you will be issued with a new Approved Purchaser Form and your Dealer will be issued with a new Claim Form. The extension is only valid after these documents have been issued.
11. Can I still get the subsidy if my approval has expired?
No. Your Approved Purchaser Form is not valid after it has expired. Your Dealer cannot provide you with a subsidised phone after the expiry date. You can re-apply for the subsidy by filling out another Application Form and submitting it to the Department.
Copyright 2011 TeleBiz
