Remote Area Broadcasts Information Page.

Black and white Analog TV broadcasts first commenced in Victoria and NSW in 1956 and didn't reach Northern Territory until 1971.  Colour TV was introduced in 1975.  There are now many, many transmitters and repeater towers all over Australia. However, due to the cost of bringing TV signals into remote areas via terrestrial (land based) methods, there are many areas that cannot receive adequate signal levels to produce a watchable TV picture. 

People living in areas where poor terrestrial analog reception has been tolerated can now enjoy clear digital terrestrial TV transmissions.  That is providing that digital TV is transmitted in that area and that adequate signal can be received by the antenna.  This has proved successful for people in built up areas and fringe reception areas.  However, this does not help residents living in remote areas where terrestrial TV, whether analog or digital is not an option.

This is where satellite TV comes into play.  Satellite transmissions can be received using a small KU band dish in most of Australia and as satellite broadcasts are transmitted in digital format, the pictures are crystal clear.  Most regions within Australia can use a 65-90 cm dish with the exception of far northern areas.

In order to receive free to air (FTA) commercial TV broadcasts, the person must live in a satellite remote service area, black spot area or be travelling within inland or remote areas in a caravan or similar.  If you are travelling within remote areas then you can simply purchase a suitable Aurora satellite kit and have the channels activated for up to 6 month periods at a time.  There are no activation fees. 

If you are in a black spot area you can submit a form to the Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA) and if approved can receive commercial free to air channels via satellite by purchasing your own equipment along with an Optus Aurora smartcard.  The form is available for download HERE.

If you live in a satellite remote service area you can purchase a satellite system and have your card activated immediately. The maps are available here:  http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD//pc=PC_90217

The Aurora platform is transmitted on a satellite called Optus C1 .  When the equipment has been installed and the dish is correctly pointed at the satellite, the smartcard serial number should be noted and then inserted in the decoder.  As the channels are encrypted, activation is required (contact numbers are provided at the bottom of this page).  On completion of the activation process, you should now be able to enjoy crystal clear satellite TV.

Optus Aurora channel line up includes but not limited to:

Seven Central - based in Townsville.  Can be received by viewers east of the WA border.
Imparja - based in Alice Springs.  Can be received by viewers east of the WA border.
GWN - Golden West - based in Bunbury, WA.  Is only available to viewers in WA.
WIN TV - Only available to viewers in WA.
SBS/ABC - not zone dependant.  Available in several time zones.

If you are interested in purchasing a satellite kit to receive Optus Aurora , click on our 'Satellite Kit' link to the left.

If you are traveling and require a portable solution, then we recommend the TravelSat kit.  Get information on this system by clicking on the 'Caravan Satellite Kits' link to the left.

ABC - 1300 301 681
SBS - 1300 301 681
Seven Central - 1800 501 063
Imparja - 1300 301 683
WIN - 1300 301 681
GWN - 1300 301 681
Westlink - 1300 301 681

Rather than try to get through to the above numbers for information, give us a call on QLD 07 5495 7674 or VIC 03 9772 8318 and we'll answer your questions.