Support

Can I receive Aurora where I live?

The National Broadcasters (ABC, SBS) and Westlink provide TV and radio services which are available nationally, upon authorisation of your Optus Aurora smartcard. The Remote Commercial Broadcasters (Imparja, Seven Central, GWN and WIN) are restricted to providing broadcasting services in specific licence areas. These remote services may be available to you depending on your geographical location and subject to the Remote Commercial Broadcaster’s permission. To see if you’re eligible to receive these services, and to arrange access, please contact the Remote Commercial Broadcasters as follows:
Imparja – 1300 301 683
Seven Central - 1800 501 063
GWN / WIN - 1300 301 681

What if I am travelling in a caravan?

When entering or leaving WA, you may be able to change your access to remote commercial services based on the licence area you’re travelling through. Contact the Remote Commercial Broadcasters on the above phone numbers to arrange for a switch of services. Note: some Remote Commercial Broadcasters may allow limited time access to their services.

What equipment is required to receive Aurora services?

Satellite dish with LNB (Low Noise Block Down converter).
Digital satellite decoder (also known as a set top box).
Optus Aurora smartcard.

What size satellite dish is required to view Aurora services?

Optus recommends a minimum dish size of 90cm. Larger dishes may be required in some regions, so please consult with your local satellite equipment dealer before proceeding. Click here to view a map indicating recommended Aurora dish sizes to ensure reliable reception.

Which decoder models do you recommend?

Optus does not recommend any particular Set Top Box (STB) for use with Aurora, however we advise end users that current Aurora-ready STB's are available from UEC / Nationwide and ADB/Hills Industries. Please contact these manufacturers / Distributors for more information regarding your particular STB requirement.

How do I obtain a smartcard?

Optus Aurora Smartcards can usually be purchased from any dealer or retailer of satellite equipment. The same dealer should also be able to sell you an Aurora-ready STB & satellite dish. Once authorised, there is no ongoing subscription for viewing free-to-air Aurora services.

How do I have my smartcard authorised?

Call Optus on 1300 301 681 and we’ll switch on the channels you’re entitled to receive. This can also be done by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by faxing 1300 555 221. Please note you’ll be required to provide us with your smartcard number, STB model, name, address and phone number.

How long will the smartcard last?

Optus Aurora smartcards have a nominal lifespan of 5 years and come with a 12 month warranty. If the smartcard becomes faulty within the warranty period, it should be returned to the installer or vendor you purchased it from. From there it will be returned to Optus & replaced if within the warranty period, providing the smartcard has not failed due to unauthorised use

Do I need to keep the power to my decoder on at all times?

From time to time Optus finds it necessary to conduct maintenance on the satellite network. During such a maintenance period, any smartcard not in its decoder may not receive satellite updates, resulting in a possible loss of service. For this reason, we recommend leaving the decoder in standby power mode, with the card left in the decoder, whenever the decoder is not in use.

Who do I contact in the event of technical difficulties?

The installer or vendor of your equipment should be contacted to provide an initial assessment of any problem encountered. If you need to obtain elevation & azimuth information in order to repoint your dish, the following website may assist:

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