Changes to Bell’s television rebroadcast service
Council's television rebroadcast service for commercial free-to-air television channels in Bell will cease on 14 May 2027.
The service's ageing infrastructure is approaching the end of its supported life, and replacing the equipment would require significant investment as well as ongoing operating and maintenance costs. Following a review, Council determined that continuing the service was no longer sustainable.
We understand this may present a change for some households.
The service has supported the Bell community since October 2002. Over that time, the way people access television has changed significantly, with streaming services and other digital viewing options becoming more widely available.
Council is providing more than six months’ notice so affected households have time to understand the change, consider their circumstances, and investigate an alternative that works for them.
To help support the community through the transition, Council will host a pop-up community information session at the Bell Bunya Community Centre on Tuesday 1 December 2026 from 5.30pm to 7pm where residents can ask questions and access information about available alternatives.
What is changing?
Council-owned equipment at the Cody Hill telecommunications site currently supports the reception of commercial free-to-air television channels 7, 9, and 10 in Bell.
The equipment will continue to operate as normal until 14 May 2027. After this date:
Channels 7, 9, and 10, and their associated subchannels, will no longer be available through Council’s rebroadcast service. ABC and SBS services, including their associated channels, will not be affected.
Households that rely on Council’s service will need to make alternative arrangements to continue accessing commercial television channels.
Why is the service ending?
Council recognises that this service has been valued by the Bell community and that its closure may be disappointing, particularly for residents who have limited viewing or internet options.
The equipment is ageing and is approaching the end of its supported life. Replacing it would require significant capital investment, as well as ongoing operating, site, power, and maintenance costs.
Council has investigated replacing the equipment and relocating the service to a Council-owned site. After considering the infrastructure required, the replacement and ongoing costs, and the alternative viewing options now available, Council determined that continuing the service was no longer sustainable.
What alternatives are available?
Council appreciates that every household is different. The most suitable alternative will depend on factors including location, eligibility, internet access, existing equipment, viewing needs, and cost.
Options residents may wish to investigate include:
VAST satellite television
Eligible households may be able to access commercial free-to-air television through the Australian Government’s Viewer Access Satellite Television service, known as VAST.
VAST does not rely on a household internet connection for normal viewing. However, eligibility requirements apply, and residents may need to purchase suitable satellite equipment and pay for professional installation.
Online streaming
Residents with a suitable internet connection and compatible device may be able to access live and catch-up television through free broadcaster apps and websites.
Internet availability, performance, data requirements, device compatibility, and account requirements can vary. Residents considering this option should check the internet service available at their address and whether it will meet their household’s needs.
Television reception advice
Residents may also wish to contact a suitably qualified television technician or service provider to discuss the reception and viewing options available for their property.
Council cannot recommend individual commercial providers or products, but general information will be provided to help residents understand the options they may wish to investigate.
What do residents need to do?
There is no need to make an immediate decision.
If you think your household may rely on Council’s rebroadcast service, you are encouraged to:
- Check how your household currently receives channels 7, 9, and 10.
- Investigate whether your property may be eligible for VAST.
- Check the internet and streaming services available at your address.
- Compare potential equipment, installation, internet, and ongoing costs.
- Arrange your preferred alternative before 14 May 2027.
Council understands that changing services or purchasing new equipment may create an unexpected cost for some households. While Council will not fund individual internet services, satellite equipment, television equipment, or installation, information will be available to help residents investigate their options.
Bell Tower Rebroadcasting Service Fact Sheet(PDF, 1MB)
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the service end?
Council’s rebroadcast service will cease on 14 May 2027. The equipment will continue to operate as normal until that date.
Which channels will be affected?
Channels 7, 9, and 10, and their associated subchannels, will no longer be available through Council’s rebroadcast service after 14 May 2027.
Will ABC and SBS be affected?
No. ABC and SBS services, including their associated channels, are not affected and will remain available through their existing broadcast arrangements.
How do I know whether my household uses Council’s service?
If you receive channels 7, 9, or 10 through a standard television antenna in Bell, your household may use Council’s rebroadcast service. A suitably qualified television technician may be able to help you understand your current setup.
Why not continue operating the service until the equipment fails?
Council understands why residents may prefer for the service to continue for as long as possible. However, there is no reliable way to predict when ageing equipment may fail.
Waiting for an unexpected failure could leave affected households without the service and with little or no time to arrange an alternative. Confirming an end date provides residents with advance notice and more time to prepare.
What alternatives can I consider?
Depending on your circumstances, options may include VAST satellite television for eligible households or free broadcaster streaming services and apps where a suitable internet connection is available.
Residents may also wish to seek property-specific advice from a qualified television technician or service provider.
What if I do not have reliable internet?
Council understands that reliable internet access may not be available or practical for every household.
Eligible households may be able to access commercial free-to-air television through VAST satellite television, which does not rely on a home internet connection for normal viewing. Eligibility, equipment, and installation requirements apply.
Is VAST free?
VAST provides eligible households with access to free-to-air television programming. However, residents may need to purchase suitable satellite equipment and seek professional installation.
Will Council pay for an alternative?
Council recognises that arranging an alternative may create an unexpected expense for some households. However, Council will not fund individual internet services, satellite equipment, television equipment, or installation.
General information will be provided to help residents understand and compare the options available.
Do I need to do anything now?
No immediate action is required. Residents who may rely on the service are encouraged to begin exploring their options well before 14 May 2027, allowing time to compare alternatives and arrange any equipment or installation required.
Where can I get more information?
Residents with questions about the change or the general alternatives available can contact the WDRC Customer Contact Centre on 07 4679 4000.