Skymesh and Indigo partner for satellite phones

Buoyed by Government subsidy scheme.

Queensland-based internet service providers SkyMesh and Indigo Telecom have announced a wholesale partnership for SkyMesh to resell Indigo's satellite voice and data products.

The partnership paves the way for SkyMesh, a national provider of satellite broadband services, to introduce mobile voice and data products to its lineup.  

Under the agreement, SkyMesh would resell mobile carrier Indigo Telecom's XT Satellite handset (pictured) and the SG 2520 – a dual mode handset which uses both traditional GSM and satellite networks.

SkyMesh director Paul Rees said its decision to expand to satellite mobile phones was a result of the government’s Australian broadband guarantee.

The Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme encouraged people who lived or worked outside of terrestrial mobile phone coverage areas to purchase satellite mobile phones.

“If you live in an area where you can’t get mobile phone access to your house the government will pay $1000 for the purchase of the satellite phone," Rees said. 

“Many of our customers don’t have mobile phone coverage at their home and the cost of installing a landline can be expensive. We have customers who have to drive 50 kilometres up the road just to call for support.

“Indigo’s products allow us to now provide a complete package with satellite broadband and mobile phone at an affordable price."

Further encouragement for Rees was the drop in satellite phone prices from the $3000-$4000 mark.

"With the $1000 subsidy, a $1499 phone costs $499," he said.  

Under the agreement SkyMesh would also resell a portable IP Data Terminal, for broadband internet access in the most isolated areas of Australia.

Rees said if you can see the sky the satellite phone will connect.