What is the Satellite Broadband Subsidy Program?
Living just outside a metropolitan area in Australia had occasionally been frustrating during the time that internet services were not available. It was a joy to watch technology advance with satellite broadband service which gave equal internet opportunity to all people, no matter where they lived or worked. As broadband rolled out in the region, the Australian government supported a satellite broadband subsidy program that gave rural residents assistance in receiving internet services. The program made it affordable and easier to get internet service and enjoy the benefits that the internet has to offer.
The government subsidy is available to anyone who cannot get access through a metropolitan internet service. The subsidy provides approximately $2500 over a three year period for service. There are qualifications for the satellite broadband subsidy. It is available to small businesses and non-profits that employee 20 or fewer full time people, individuals, and local community council. Most satellite broadband internet providers would be able to give more details and answer questions regarding eligibility. Potential customers can also check eligibility by calling the Australian Broadband Guarantee helpline.
Internet Service Providers must register themselves and comply with the requirements of the program in order to be allowed to provide satellite internet services to rural participants. The satellite broadband subsidy will be paid directly to the Internet Service Provider for each premise that it contracts with, so it is financially advantageous for them to join the program. Potential customers will receive a list of Internet Service Providers for their particular area in the information pack from the Australian Broadband Guarantee program. Only the Internet Service Providers that are registered with the program will be listed.
Each customer who receives internet service through the satellite broadband subsidy program is given certain rights. The registered providers must provide the customers with three years of service at the same monthly price. Excess data charges per megabyte cannot be more than five cents, and the customer must be given detailed information regarding the contract terms and conditions. The equipment may be owned by the customer or the provider. Ownership of the equipment should be explained in detail in the terms and conditions portion of the contract. It is understood that at the end of three years, the internet service provider is not required to continue service although they are encouraged to by the government. If this were to happen, the customer may be eligible for another ABG service.
