If you are thinking of getting a new Sat phone, get it soon. The subsidy ends in June this year. The advice is to apply now.
Below is from Kondinin Group's news pages.
WITH just months to claim a satellite phone subsidy of up to 85%, farmers are being urged to apply now.
The federal government started the scheme in 2002 to help farmers in areas without mobile phone coverage improve the affordability of mobile communication.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said with the scheme set to wind up on June 30 Australian farmers needing a satellite phone should put their application in immediately.
The scheme offers a subsidy of 85% of the retail price of a satellite phone up to a maximum of $1000 for residents who live in areas without any terrestrial service.
People who work or travel within an area that has no terrestrial service for more than 180 days over a two-year period can also apply for a 50% subsidy of the retail price of a satellite phone up to a maximum of $700.
Individuals are eligible for one handset each. Small businesses, community and not-for-profit groups, indigenous corporations, emergency
services, health organisations and educational institutions are eligible for two handsets.
“There are large parts of the Parkes electorate that have no mobile phone service and for many satellite phones are the only viable option,” Coulton said.
“However, satellite phones tend to be far more expensive than the standard mobile phone.
“The scheme is scheduled to cease on June 30 this year and therefore anyone considering purchasing a satellite mobile phone should apply for this scheme.”
Applicants who live in areas without terrestrial mobile coverage are eligible for additional subsidies to replace handsets purchased under the scheme three or more years earlier.