The funds will offer assurance to 1.5 million Australians residing in remote and regional locations who depend on the VAST service rendered by Optus satellites for receiving free-to-air television and radio broadcasts.

The service comprises approximately 80 television and radio channels sourced from various providers such as ABC, SBS, and commercial free-to-air broadcasters Seven, Nine, and Ten, as well as community broadcasters such as Imparja and National Indigenous TV.

About Viewer Access Satellite TV (VAST)

Viewer Access Satellite TV (VAST) is a satellite-based television and radio broadcasting service that provides free-to-air digital television and radio services to Australians living in remote and regional areas where terrestrial broadcasting is not available

To gain access to VAST, viewers require a VAST certified satellite set-top box and a satellite dish with a diameter of at least 65cm. In remote areas or areas with high rainfall, larger dishes (of 90cm or greater diameter) are necessary

Optus Vice President for Regulatory and Public Affairs Andrew Sheridan said Optus is delighted that the Albanese Government has extended funding for this important public service for an additional seven years.

“VAST provides vital access to television and radio services for 1.5 million Australians in rural and remote areas and Optus looks forward to the opportunity to continue its partnership with government to deliver this critical capability,” Mr Sheridan said.

Optus has operated the VAST platform since 2010 via its D3 and Optus 10 satellites. VAST provides crucial emergency broadcasting during disaster events when terrestrial infrastructure has been impacted. 

With the largest fleet of satellites in Australia and New Zealand, Optus is the sole network provider in the country that possesses and manages its own satellite network, which has been instrumental in establishing its unparalleled reputation in providing satellite services to rural and remote regions.

Apart from VAST, Optus also offers a range of critical and national satellite services across Australia and New Zealand such as satellite broadcast capabilities for Foxtel, voice and data services, and emergency connectivity.

Optus is a key player in delivering satellite services to rural and remote regions, and the extension of funding for VAST is a testament to its commitment to provide critical and sovereign satellite services throughout the country.