Digital TV from Satellite
The New VAST Platform
The Australian Government is funding a new free to air satellite service – the Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST). VAST will provide digital television to viewers in remote areas of Australia who currently rely on analogue services from the Optus Aurora platform; as well as viewers who are unable to receive digital TV through their normal antenna because of issues relating to local interference, terrain or distance from the transmitter in their area.
Am I eligible to get the VAST service?
Interim Arrangements for Mildura/Sunraysia & Regional SA
When is the new service going to be available?
How do I get access to the new satellite service?
What channels are available?
What Equipment Do I need?
Where can I obtain further information about the new satellite and digital switchover?
Am I eligible to get the VAST service?
The VAST service commences officially for eligible viewers in all states except for Western Australia on 15 December 2010. The WA start date will be announced shortly.
There are two categories of viewers eligible to access VAST
- Viewers in the Remote Central & Eastern Australia Licence Area: View Map
- Viewers in regional and metropolitan areas served by normal terrestrial TV services but who are unable to receive TV after digital switchover
Remote Central & Eastern:
You will be able to apply for reception of VAST services from 15 December 2010.
Please understand that VAST broadcasters are currently building the new services and will not be able to process applications from your area prior to 15 December.
Regional & Metropolitan Viewers:
As digital switchover rolls out across Australia, regional and metropolitan viewers who will not be able to receive television after switchover can apply for VAST access 6 months prior to switchover. More information here
Interim Arrangements for Mildura/Sunraysia & Regional SA:
Because digital switchover has commenced in Mildura/Sunraysia and regional South Australia ahead of the VAST commencement on 15 December, special interim arrangements have been made for VAST access as follows.
Mildura/Sunraysia Vic:
VAST access is available to viewers in the Mildura/Sunraysia switchover area View Map;
Green Zone: VAST is available to all applicants
Yellow Zone: VAST availability is not automatic and will be assessed on a case by case basis
Red Zone: VAST is not available due to adequate terrestrial coverage.
Regional South Australia & Broken Hill:
VAST access is available to viewers in the regional SA and Broken Hill switchover areas: View Map - Broken Hill; View Map - Mt Gambier; View Map - Border Town-Penola; View Map - Cowell-Port Augusta; View Map - Lamaroo-Bordertown; View Map - Loxton-Renmark; View Map - Port Augusta-Port Pirie; View Map - Port Lincoln-Cowell; Port Pirie-Moonta; View Map - Spencer Gulf as follows;
Green Zone: VAST is available to all applicants
Yellow Zone: VAST availability is not automatic and will be assessed on a case by case basis
Red Zone: VAST is not available due to adequate terrestrial coverage.
When is the new service going to be available?
Viewers who are eligible to access VAST services can do so from the following dates: Check If I Am Eligible
| Region |
Digital Switchover Date |
VAST Access Available From |
| Mildura/Sunraysia |
30 June 2010 |
June 2010 |
| Regional SA & Broken Hill |
15 December 2010 |
September 2010 |
| Regional Victoria |
5 May 2011 |
15 December 2010 |
| Regional Queensland |
Date TBA in Second Half 2011 |
6 Months before Switchover Date |
| Regional Southern NSW |
Date TBA in First Half 2012 |
6 Months before Switchover Date |
| Regional Northern NSW |
Date TBA in Second Half 2012 |
6 Months before Switchover Date |
| Tasmania |
Date TBA in First Half 2013 |
6 Months before Switchover Date |
| Perth |
Date TBA in First Half 2013 |
6 Months before Switchover Date |
| Brisbane & Gold Coast |
Date TBA in First Half 2013 |
6 Months before Switchover Date |
| Melbourne |
Date TBA in Second Half 2013 |
6 Months before Switchover Date |
| Adelaide |
Date TBA in Second Half 2013 |
6 Months before Switchover Date |
| Sydney |
Date TBA in Second Half 2013 |
6 Months before Switchover Date |
| Darwin |
Date TBA in Second Half 2013 |
6 Months before Switchover Date |
| Remote Central & Eastern Australia |
Date TBA in Second Half 2013 |
15 December 2010 |
| Remote Western Australia |
Date TBA in Second Half 2013 |
TBA |
How do I get access to the new satellite service?
Access to VAST requires an approved VAST set top box and satellite dish. Access to the service is controlled by a smart card which is supplied with the satellite set top box. To access VAST you will need to register your details including your address, reception location and smart card number.
If you are eligible for VAST services and services are available in your area now Check Here then apply Here
To ensure your registration can be processed, please ensure all the information is accurate and that you include the installation address for the service.
To ensure your registration can be processed, please ensure all the information is accurate and that you include the installation address for the service.
What channels are available?
Southern Cross Media and Imparja are broadcasting the full range of digital commercial television channels in standard definition (with programming from the 7, 9 and 10 networks) and the high definition channels OneHD, 7HD and 9HD.
VAST also provides all the standard and high definition channels from ABC and SBS.
The local news content from regional broadcasters will eventually be available on a dedicated local news channel exclusive to VAST.
What Equipment do I need
Anyone wishing to access VAST will need to purchase a VAST approved satellite set-top box and a satellite dish of at least 65cm diameter. Access to this new satellite service is managed by a smart card which is supplied with the satellite set top box. To access VAST you will need to register your details including your address, reception location and smart card number to enable access.
IMPORTANT - The unique smart card and set top box are matched at factory level. Smart cards cannot be swapped or used in multiple boxes.
Satellite set-top boxes are now available from authorised distributors. Altech UEC are the initial supplier and distributor of these boxes. Sales or technical enquiries can be made directly to UEC by calling (02) 9425 5777 .
Where can I obtain further information about the new satellite and digital switchover?
The Government has established a national information telephone line and a website to provide advice and assistance to viewers in the transition to digital television. The Digital Ready Information Line operates seven days a week from 8.00 am to 10.00 pm (AEST) on free-call number 1800 20 10 13. The Digital Ready website may be accessed at http://www.digitalready.gov.au
For further information regarding registering your smartcard for VAST, please call 1300 993 376
