The Viewer Access Satellite Television service, or VAST, is a satellite television platform in Australia, providing digital television and radio services to remote and rural areas, as well as viewers in terrestrial black spots. It is designed to provide the same number of digital television and radio channels available in metropolitan terrestrial areas.
A minimum of 17 digital television channels are currently available to eligible viewers. The service also provides a minimum of 39 digital radio channels and a number of niche channels. VAST is available to viewers who are unable to receive digital TV through their normal antenna because of issues relating to local interference, terrain or distance from the transmitter in their area.
The VAST service has channels for the ABC, SBS and the Australian commercial television networks. Access to the commercial television services on VAST is governed by broadcast license conditions, and each application is assessed against those criteria. If you are travelling around Australia, you might need a VAST satellite decoder to ensure that you have a reliable mobile phone signal wherever you go.