NBN Co’s Satellite Support Scheme (NSS) will allow up to 9,000 premises access to a subsidised satellite broadband service until the NBN’s Long Term Satellite Service (LTSS) is made available.

The NSS is similar to the Australian Government’s former Australian Broadband Guarantee (ABG) program and will subsidise approved wholesale satellite providers selling their services through retail service providers.

Eligible end users for the scheme include residents, small businesses, Indigenous community organisations and not-for-profit organisations.  They also include education, health and local government facilities.

The NSS will be made available to end users who are unable to access a commercial broadband service, as defined by NBN Co’s broadband service locator (BSL). This is to ensure that end users in remote locations, who are most in need of broadband access, are first to receive the service.

All eligible users will be required to register with NBN Co before ordering a service.

Premises that received an ISS or subsidised satellite service under the former ABG program will not be eligible for the NSS.