Optus is making a second stage of changes to the VAST satellite service, affecting Community Radio Network (CRN), National Radio News (NRN), BBC World Service, and RPH feeds. Unlike the previous update (on 11 February 2025), this change requires action from stations that use these services on Tuesday 11 March.
What You Need to Do:
The change will cause Optus VAST certified Set Top Box receivers to default to another service audio feed channel. Each station will need to “re-select” the channel service feed on their receiver.
At 10:15am AEDT on 11 March 2025
Ensure your station is not actively using or broadcasting any live satellite audio feeds at 10:15am AEDT on Tuesday 11 March 2025.
After 10:15am AEDT on 11 March 2025
“Re-select” the wanted service feed channel on your VAST Set Top Box receiver at any time after 10:15am AEDT for these relevant channels:
- 629 BBC World Service
- 630 Community Radio Network – CRN 1
- 631 Community Radio Network – CRN 2
- 632 RPH Australia
Note: these are listed as radio channels on the receivers, not television channels.
Note: NRN bulletins will still be available via FTP.
Troubleshooting & Support:
If your station has trouble receiving any of the satellite feeds after 10:15am AEDT, you can:
- Check that the VAST Set Top Box receiver is set to select the correct channel
- Power-cycle your VAST Set Top Box receiver
- Email us at crn@cbaa.org.au for further support
These improvements are a step forward in ensuring a more stable and resilient satellite delivery system. We’re here to make sure they’re rolled out smoothly with minimal disruption to your stations – thank you for your action and attention to this important update.