Residents of Toorumbee Station in Western Queensland are the first to come on line through Telstra's new 2-way satellite Internet service made possible by the Federal Government's $150 million initiative and were congratulated in an email by the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts today (28/9).

Max and Melinda Seidel, whose property is near St George, are the first to experience this new satellite service by Telstra, which will provide faster access to the Internet, and eliminate the need to 'dial-up' for a connection each time the Internet is needed.

Clearly this service is an exciting development as it will provide residents in remote areas with an Internet service that is always available when the computer is turned on, at prices broadly comparable with metropolitan areas.

Telstra was selected by the Government through a competitive tender process to provide these services, but the offer is open to all telecommunications users in the extended zones-not just existing Telstra customers.

These services came about through the $150 million tender to provide untimed local calls in the extended zones covering 80% of Australia. For far too long people living in remote areas had to pay timed rates to contact their neighbours and local business.

Further information, including pricing details, about the 2-way satellite Internet offer is available by calling Telstra on 1800 680 019*. For further information on untimed local call benefits in your area, call 1800 688 437*.

Click here for more information