Sat 'phone subsidy..........

Submitted: Tuesday, Apr 28, 2009 at 14:37

ThreadID: 68316 Views:3402 Replies:5 FollowUps:9

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Handheld Satellite Phone Solutions for Travellers

The aim of this article is to provide a simple overview of the current satphone environment in Australia - assisting recreational, outback travellers make informed decisions when considering the

Member - Michael J (SA)

'Arpynoon,

Just a quick ‘heads up’ for anyone considering applying for the Sat ‘phone subsidy.

The scheme is being extended for 4years. However expect some delay in the processing because of this extension. My application has been with them for over a month, but should be attended to “shortly”…..

Cheers
Michael

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Reply By: Geoff (Newcastle, NSW) - Tuesday, Apr 28, 2009 at 14:50

Tuesday, Apr 28, 2009 at 14:50

Hi Michael,

How did you go about applying for the subsidy?

Geoff

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Follow Up By: Member - Michael J (SA) - Tuesday, Apr 28, 2009 at 15:41

Tuesday, Apr 28, 2009 at 15:41

Hi Geoff,

Have a look at;

http://www.iridiumphones.com.au/

-and all will be revealed.

If you choose to download the application form be aware that you will need to erase the suppliers details shown on the form, before printing.
That will allow you to enter the company you wish to purchase
your 'phone from when you submit your application.

Cheers
Michael

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Follow Up By: Geoff (Newcastle, NSW) - Tuesday, Apr 28, 2009 at 21:49

Tuesday, Apr 28, 2009 at 21:49

Hi Michael,

Thanks for that information, it looks the goods and I should qualify as well!

Next question, who was your dealer of choice if you don't mind me asking?

Geoff

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Follow Up By: Member - Michael J (SA) - Wednesday, Apr 29, 2009 at 09:20

Wednesday, Apr 29, 2009 at 09:20

Good morning Geoff,

I chose a local communications mob that deal in all types of
communications. Rodda Communications is the company.

I guess you would find a company closer to you that would assist.

I actually telephoned them first and confirmed the availability of
the 'phone and the fact that they would supply under the scheme.

You need to get all details prior to submitting the form.

Although this mob is in SA, if you have trouble locating someone
you wish to deal with, let me know and I will give you their contact details.

Cheers
Michael

FollowupID: 629960

Reply By: Kim and Damn Dog - Tuesday, Apr 28, 2009 at 17:33

Tuesday, Apr 28, 2009 at 17:33

Gidday Mike

I hope you put down a good reason for it.

We made an application for four months in the bush, and got knocked back. Even though it was an essential service application.

I might add, the subsidy is not for the tourist traveller ( unless things have changed).

Regards

Kim

AnswerID: 362075

Follow Up By: Member - Fred B (NT) - Tuesday, Apr 28, 2009 at 18:21

Tuesday, Apr 28, 2009 at 18:21

Hi all,
when you fill out the application, if it's not worded exactly the way the little dicky-birds in canberra like to see it, then you will be knocked back. A one off job doesn't cut it, you need to word it in such a way as though it probably turn into a long term committment. In other words you will are looking forward to doing jobs long term in communities and that your location has no other comms or is unreliable.

Fred B
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Follow Up By: Member - Michael J (SA) - Tuesday, Apr 28, 2009 at 19:40

Tuesday, Apr 28, 2009 at 19:40

G'day Kim,

I sent in an A4 page of reasons why my application should be considered.

Just hope I met the criteria required...)))

"spend a substantial amount of time (no less than
120 calendar days per year for two years from the date
the phone was purchased)
in an area of Australia where terrestrial mobile phone
coverage is not available."

In the next two years, all being well, I should qualify for the subsidy.............and that is what I told 'em..

Should know some time next week, I was promised that I was put in the urgent box.......hmmmmmmmmm time will tell..

Cheers
Michael

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Follow Up By: Member - Michael J (SA) - Tuesday, Apr 28, 2009 at 19:46

Tuesday, Apr 28, 2009 at 19:46

I'll let ya know how I go, hope to hear late next week.......

Michael

FollowupID: 629873

Reply By: Member - R and R Troop (NSW) - Tuesday, Apr 28, 2009 at 18:38

Tuesday, Apr 28, 2009 at 18:38

Do you need to purchase phone before lodging application?

AnswerID: 362084

Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Tuesday, Apr 28, 2009 at 18:45

Tuesday, Apr 28, 2009 at 18:45

No!!
Make sure you have the nominated dealer and the Subsidy Approval BEFORE you buy the phone.
If you buy it before the approval is given its not refundable.

Look Here for details.

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Reply By: Dean - Tuesday, Apr 28, 2009 at 22:30

Tuesday, Apr 28, 2009 at 22:30

Sounds like things have changed quite a bit since i applied for the subsidy around 5 years ago. A simple form then with about 3 questions other than personal stuff, took about a week to approve. I suppose these things are becoming increasingly popular as they become more affordable.
Dean

AnswerID: 362158

Reply By: oldfart1953 - Wednesday, Apr 29, 2009 at 12:45

Wednesday, Apr 29, 2009 at 12:45

Hi Michael,
Not trying to be a pain in the a...
Sat phones are fantastic, but consider how much you are going to use it versus overall cost.
Buy a new phone on plan with the subsidy cost you approx $2000 then plan runs for 2 years total cost of phone then approaching $3000. Or buy a used phone (ebay or similar) for $1200 or less.
Then simply put your Telstra sim (with international roam) in it & away you go. Sure calls are more expensive but if you are using the phone for emergency back up only, you will save a small fortune. Then when finished trip resell on ebay or similar for usually the same money.

CU down the road

Tony H
Hunter Valley

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Follow Up By: Member - Michael J (SA) - Wednesday, Apr 29, 2009 at 20:18

Wednesday, Apr 29, 2009 at 20:18

Hi Tony,

You are right, of course. I depends on the individual needs for 'sat 'phone/hf comms/epirb etc...

I live, and operate a business, on the fringe of reliable comms.

Shortly, very shortly, I will be off into the wild unkown......read marginal communications.

I have a need to stay in some sort of reliable comms with my business.........

To rent/borrow etc a Sat 'phone is not an option for the length of time I will be away,,,

Horses for courses..

Cheers
Michael

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