The Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy is aware of satellite phone carriers promoting zero up-front payment schemes for satellite phones in Australia.

 

The Department wants to ensure consumers are aware that unless a payment plan indicates a specific charge for the phone itself, phones included under such plans will not be eligible for support under the Australian Government’s Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme.

 

The Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme is an Australian Government initiative to help people living or working outside of terrestrial mobile phone coverage areas to purchase satellite mobile phones.

 

The Australian Government recognises satellite phone handsets can be more expensive than terrestrial mobile handsets. The subsidy program is offered to make the cost of the handset more affordable for eligible applicants.