The Rudd Government has struck a deal that will see satellite digital TV delivered to viewers in eastern Australia who cannot receive terrestrial digital TV.

Comms and Broadband Minister Stephen Conroy said broadcasters Southern Cross Media and Imparja would establish a joint venture company, Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST) to deliver services to viewers in the Remote Central and Eastern Australia licence area, as well as homes in regional and metropolitan areas which are unable to receive TV terrestrially.

The Government will provide a subsidy of $400 to eligible households to convert to the new satellite service, which will make use of Optus satellites. Viewers will need to purchase a new satellite set-top box with an access smartcard, a satellite dish and cabling.

A satellite service for WA viewers, using the same Optus platform, is under negotiation