Rural users are unaware of government-subsidised plans for satellite broadband, despite it being a reasonable alternative to dial up, says activ8me’s Warren Ingerson.
Ingerson said a recent study, published by the Bureau of Rural Sciences, found that the level of broadband connection in small towns and rural areas was lower than 30% everywhere, except in NSW small towns, where it was 30.2%.
According to Ingerson, the figures suggest many rural households are still using dial-up internet services.
“Many of these households would not only benefit from satellite broadband — particularly where cable broadband is unavailable — but may also be eligible for a subsidised service under the Australian Broadband Guarantee.”
Ingerson said that many rural users are unaware of government-subsidised satellite broadband services, having only heard about it from friends or neighbours.
According to activ8me, more than 300,000 Australian homes and businesses in rural and regional areas are eligible for subsidies under the Australian Broadband Guarantee.