Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme
available here!

Safecity Services Pty Ltd Approved Dealers
Government Subsidy Scheme Approval Number D00781

Please note this website has no connection whatsoever with the Australian Government Subsidy Scheme website.  We are providing this website as a helping guide for new customers interested in purchasing a Mobile Satellite Telephone, including a Thuraya satellite phone, or Iridium satellite phone.

We advise all prospective customers to visit the official Government Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme Website before purchasing a telephone.  You may also contact the Government Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme help line by calling calling 1800 674 058 or by email at satphone@dbcde.gov.au
 

Why was the scheme established?

This is a generous and welcomed initiative of the Australian Government. 

Australia is a vast continent and the provision of global telephone cover through land-line exchange systems or digital mobile technology is difficult if not impossible.   Telecommunications providers do a good job at overcoming these logistical and cost related barriers--but there are still many areas that cannot be fully covered.

To help overcome this problem, the Australian Government has provided funding to help reduce the cost of the handsets to approved consumers.  This enables all Australians to enjoy a reliable and effective telephone service. 

It is important to realise that this subsidy will not last forever.  Applications will close in early 2013.

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 service or where a terrestrial mobile  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.

  Please download our satellite phone subsidy kit for full details of eligibility

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.  

Please download our satellite phone subsidy kit for full details of eligibility

How much will I get and how many phones can I buy?

The Government will pay us directly (or any other approved dealer).  There are no provisions for money to be paid directly to the customer.

Assuming your application is successful, the amount of the subsidy that will be paid depends upon your principal address and the price of the phone you purchase.  In any case, it will be up to 85 per cent of the retail price, with a maximum of $1000 (including GST). 

You may only apply for one Subsidy per person or a maximum of two Subsidies per organisation or business. 

The Government will not pay for ongoing bills, charges or the ongoing service of the Service Provider.   This is  a one time payment only.

How do I buy a subsidised phone?

	The first step is to select an approved satellite phone dealer (us :-) the phone, the service provider and an approved dealer.  You have already accomplished it! The phone you wish to buy. Take another look at our extensive range of satellite phones. The service provider (we will help you decide the best satellite phone service provider for your needs). The dealer is us, Safecity Services Pty Ltd, (Approval Number D00781) If you have not already done that--ask us for a quotation and tell us that you are intending to apply for a subsidy.  Do not place the order until you have received the approval for your subsidy. Of course, if you are not applying for a subsidy, you can order and pay for your handset immediately.  You do not need to go though all these steps. Some of our customers will not qualify for the subsidy.  These customers can apply to purchase the phone and a lodge  a service contract without delay.
	Download and complete the application form.  You must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader Installed to be able to read and print the form.  If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed you can download this free program here.   You should also visit the Government Subsidy Site to verify the information we are providing is still valid.  Make sure to read all the fine print information and rules on the Government Site.   Please fill the form carefully to avoid delays--you must answer all the questions. If you need help contact the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts by calling their number 1800 674 058 you can also email them at satphone@dbcde.gov.au of course feel free to call our support team--but please remember we are not the decision makers.  Only the Administrator of the Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme has the power to approve or decline your application.
	Post your completed application to: The Administrator Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme Department of Broadband, Communication and the Digital Economy GPO Box 2154, CANBERRA ACT 2601. Do not fax the application.  The Department will not process faxed applications
	Wait patiently as the Administrator considers the application on its merits If the Administrator approves the application, you will receive an Approved Purchaser Form The Administrator will also notify us of the approval You now have two months from the date on the Approval Purchaser Form to buy the handset.
	Mail us the original of the Approved Purchaser Form with your order We will arrange for you to fill an order form and contract agreement At this time you can select the monthly access plan of your choice.  The phone must be connected for a period of 12 months to satisfy the criteria for approval. We will invoice you for the retail price of the phone, less the amount of the subsidy. Please pay the invoice by direct transfer, money order, or bank cheque.  Personal cheques are subject to clearance. Our banking details are: St. George Bank Limited BSB 112879 Account number: 027162376 Account name: Safecity Services Pty Ltd Bathurst NSW 2787 Australia
	We deliver your brand new satellite phone to your home or office! You enjoy your new freedom and peace of mind that only 100% coverage 1 can give.

Reliable: The satellite phone providers we represent are, without any doubt, smart, efficient, and reliable.  I own and use a sat phone for my personal and business calls.  The satellite network will keep you connected when you are in an out-of-service area 1 . You can rely on your  trusted dual mode satellite to help you make and receive calls from anywhere.  Think about it, during an emergency, your sat phone could even help you save lives.   The dual mode GSM and Satellite combination provided by Thuraya offers you an unmatched 100% coverage of the Australian Landmass! 1 Mobile phones are no longer a luxury--they are a necessity.  Whether you carry your telephone for business or for personal security, you need be able to make and receive calls wherever you are.   Out-of-service areas can be a nightmare when you need to get your message across fast.  Easy to use: Ease of use is an important issue for most of our clients.  The Thuraya and Iridium satellite phones are easy to use--even easier than many standard mobile and desktop telephones.  Glance at the clear and well illustrated instructions (written in real English) and you will be using your Thuraya or Iridium phone in minutes.  Space age technology at earthly costs!  When you are in a mobile no service area, your satellite phone will keep going--priceless!  Adopt the latest technology in telecommunication- use your satellite phone to also meet your data and internet needs.  Contact us for details.   Click on the  Thuraya Satellite Only or the Thuraya Dual Satellite & GSM for closer inspection Click on the Iridium Satellite Phone for closer inspection