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- Overview
- Benefits
- Plans
- Resources
- Subsidy Claim
- Contacts
Broadband for Health Program (BFH)
The Australian Government Broadband for Health Program (BFH) has helped numerous GPs and Urban Divisions of Practise connect their practices with a tailored and secure network solution that qualifies for the Government subsidy. Pacnet is pleased to have been an approved supplier of broadband services by the Australian Government.
Through our health experience, we understand the challenges facing GPs and Urban Divisions today. That’s why we are dedicated to providing secure and advanced communications for the health sector that assist in the delivery of better patient care. If IT resources are limited, we can even provide fully managed and maintained solutions.
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With Pacnet, expect high-quality Internet solutions, excellent technical support and above all, value!
If you would like to know more, why not speak to one of our health specialists? Simply call us on our Health hotline:
1300 553 700
Alternatively, email us at health@pacific.net.au or contact your Pacnet Partner.
About Pacnet
Pacnet is a leading business focused Australian Internet Communications Service Provider (ICSP). We are committed to delivering value and high quality Internet solutions to customers. We are focused of meeting the needs of the Small to Medium Business (SMB) market.
Pacnet has a proven track record in the health industry and it was recently selected by the Hunter Urban Division of General Practice (HUDGP) to connect its 170 general practices in the Hunter area of NSW because of its focus on GP’s needs of high service standards, quality and security.
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Pacnet was recognised for its work performed in partnership with the Hunter Urban Division of General Practice (HUDGP) to deliver tailored broadband plans to 90 of its GPs by being awarded the Australian Telecommunications Users Group (ATUG) Award for Best Broadband Solution in the Hunter Valley 2005.
Pacnet enhances the workstyles and lifestyles of small business Internet users, providing a range of comprehensive solutions. Its services include: Broadband DSL, leased lines, ISDN, web-hosting, collocation, private networks and dial-up. Pacnet supplies a range of value-added services including firewall security, network monitoring and roaming solutions to assist businesses in the complex, always connected world of today. Free protection from spam and viruses is also offered so Pacnet customers have an enjoyable and safe Internet experience.
To ensure customers receive uninterrupted Internet services with optimal uptime, Pacnet has developed a highly reliable and stable network that provides full redundancy backed by technical expertise, engineering excellence and support from a 24x7 Network Operations Centre (NOC) and dedicated Customer Support team.
Pacnet is committed to excellence. In 2003, it was the first Australian ISP to become a Certified Customer Service Organisation under the International Customer Service Standard (ICSS). This accreditation provides independent public recognition that Pacific Internet has met international quality standards and is a truly customer focused organisation.
Cementing its reputation as a leading customer focused organisation, Pacnet has won prestigious Industry awards for its service and support.
If you would like to know more, why not speak to one of our health specialists? Simply call us on our Health hotline:
1300 553 700
Alternatively, email us at health@pacific.net.au or contact your Pacnet Partner.
The Broadband for Health initiative is a three-year program that will deliver the benefits of broadband technology to eligible General Practices, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) and pharmacies.

Imagine the possibilities - Increased time efficiency and better patient care. Broadband will benefit both consumers and health care providers with improved communications between doctors and other health providers. Rapid, online delivery of results, referrals and requests such as pathology results and hospital discharge summaries, will also be assisted.
- Protect sensitive data
- Receive results and reports faster
- Access PBS, journals, professional online websites quickly
- Take care of online batching, bills, payroll faster
- Reduce business costs including phone costs
- Prepare for growth and future technologies like VoIP and VPNS
Broadband will not only open the door to valuable information and help to streamline clinical and administrative processes, but it also allows you to participate in a range of e-health and e-business activities.
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If you would like to know more, why not speak to one of our health specialists? Simply call us on our Health hotline:
1300 553 700
Alternatively, email us at health@pacific.net.au or contact your Pacnet Partner.
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All prices exclude GST and include set-up fee and Cisco ISR (router) fee.
Take comfort in knowing that your Internet service is in safe hands! Pacnet’s Health Plus SecureSite plans are Australia’s first fully managed, subsidised and highly secure business grade network solution for GPs. Suitable for for practices with limited IT resources.
All Health Plus SecureSite plans include services and support that are hard to beat, these include:
| Pacnet Health Plus DSL plans are subsidised by the BFH incentive payment 2 | ||
| Business grade, fast Internet connections | ![]() |
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| FREE 24x7 priority business grade technical support | ||
| A highly reliable service – 99.9% network uptime performance goal | ||
| FREE back-up connection to use during outages to keep you online | ||
| FREE email virus scan and spam filter to protect your computer | ||
| Safe, fast and easy to install | ||
| Always on connection - No need to dial up, no second line needed. You can use your telephone and the Internet at the same time | ||
| High speed data transfer and Internet connection - up to 30 times faster than dial-up4 | ||
| High levels of included data and low excess rates to help you manage your budget | ||
| 99% Service Level Guarantee - If the DSL network availability falls below 99% during a calendar month, you will receive a percentage rebate off your monthly subscription fee | ||
| FREE multiple static IP addresses5 allowing you to access your machine remotely, or host information for others to access | ||
| FREE dial-up connection to use at home, valued at $299.406 | ||
If you would like to know more, why not speak to one of our health specialists? Simply call us on our Health hotline:
1300 553 700
Alternatively, email us at health@pacific.net.au or contact your Pacnet Partner.
What to look for when selecting a plan
Before you sign up for the subsidy, there are a few things you should know. You may have more than one supplier to choose from so how do you decide which service provider to go with?
All the plans that have been approved as eligible for the subsidy have to comply to a certain standard as specified by the Government. They are all business grade broadband products that have greater speeds and greater security than normal residential broadband products. All products must have a minimum allowance of 3Gb of download data.
Find out about free add-ons
The incentive payment subsidises the basic service fee, hardware and set-up costs. Service providers may offer approved additional products but there may be an extra cost depending on the rebate cover you are eligible for. The subsidy does not cover GST or excess data charges. Pacnet’s Health plans include the following free add-ons:
| FREE unlimited dial-up connection to access the Internet from your home or whilst traveling | |
| FREE back-up connection to use during outages to keep you online | |
| FREE modem or router and set-up | |
| FREE 24x7 business grade technical support | |
| FREE email virus scan and spam filter to protect your computer |
How much of my service is actually subsidised?
A major change to BFHP Phase 2 is the introduction of a maximum subsidy rebate that each eligible practice may receive, based on the Rural, Remote and Metropolitan Area (RRMA) classification system. The subsidy is broken down into several levels of capped rebate available in specific geographic locations.
Eligible practices are not able to pocket the difference between their eligible rebate and the approved service(s) they choose.
Practices will also have to pay the additional costs outside of the rebate they are eligible for, if they choose more expensive approved service(s).
If additional services are not taken up at the time of signing a contract, the practice will not be able to receive a rebate for these if added later.
Practice locations are free to select from any of the qualified services, but they will be responsible for meeting any service costs over and above the subsidy level where their preferred service is more expensive than the subsidy.
What happens when the subsidy stops?
Don’t lock yourself into a contract that is longer than 12 months. The subsidy only covers the first 12 months of your contract. You have the automatic right to continue with your service after the first 12 months with the same terms as the initial contract.
Find out about excess charges and download/upload limits
The cheapest monthly service fee is not always the low cost option. Many low cost plans restrict the amount of data you can download each month. You may end up paying large amounts in excess usage charges if you exceed your chosen plans monthly download limits. Pacnet’s Health plans include high levels of included data and low excess rates to help you manage your budget.
What happens if things go wrong?
Look into technical support guarantees. You need direct access to experienced and qualified technical staff. As a business-grade customer you should expect priority call handling and a minimal wait time to speak with technical support. Pacnet provides the 24x7 business-grade technical support you need.
How secure is the service?
The second phase of the BFHP focuses heavily on security, so new services have been approved offering higher levels of security to protect patient data. Make sure the service you choose includes high-level security to protect your network and confidential data. Pacnet’s Health Plus SecureSite plans include the latest firewall protection, intrusion detection and 24x7 network monitoring with outage notification.
How reliable is the service?
Without a reliable service, the Internet can be a nightmare. Be sure to research network coverage when choosing an Internet Service Provider. You can find out which service providers provide network coverage in your area at the DHA Broadband for Health website.
With Pacnet’s health plans, you will receive a 99% Service Level Guarantee providing a percentage rebate off your monthly subscription fee if the DSL network availability falls below 99% during a calendar month. Also, on those rare occasions where the network may go down, we offer a back-up dial-up connection to keep you online, all the time.
If you would like to know more, why not speak to one of our health specialists? Simply call us on our Health hotline:
1300 553 700
Alternatively, email us at health@pacific.net.au or contact your Pacnet Partner.
Find more information about the Broadband for Health initiative including information on current providers, subsidy levels and services available in your area.
- BFHP initiative overview
- Broadband for Health information for GPs and ACCHP
- Broadband for Health information for Pharmacies
- Broadband for Health information booklet
- Broadband for Health fact sheet
- Broadband for Health RRMA subsidy classifications
- Broadband for Health Frequently Asked Questions
- Broadband for Health information pack
- Subsidy claim form for GPs and ACCHS
- Subsidy claim form for pharmacies
- Security Awareness and Conformance Report
Health Feature Article
Editorial
Press release
If you would like to know more, why not speak to one of our health specialists? Simply call us on our Health hotline:
1300 553 700
Alternatively, email us at health@pacific.net.au or contact your Pacnet Partner.

Medicare Australia will be administering the scheme and a Subsidy Claim Form, Security Awareness and Conformance Report and Statement of Supply Form needs to be completed and returned to them. Pacnet will help our customers complete their Subsidy Claim Form and will complete the Statement of Supply Form. The Security Awareness and Conformance Report will need to be completed by the eligible practice.
The Security Report is available at the link below. If required, Pacnet can recommend preferred suppliers who can help practices with the completion of this report.
It is your responsibility to lodge the Subsidy Claim Form and Security Report to receive the rebate.
What does the Broadband for Health Program cover?
The Broadband for Health Program provides a subsidy rebate for the cost of:
- 12 months broadband access, installation and hardware
- The subsidy rebate that each GP receives is based on a maximum subsidy level (RRMA classifications) available in a specific geographic location at the time of signing the contract
- Approved additional services up to the applicable subsidy level
- Completion of the Security Awareness and Conformance Report will attract a once-off payment of $1000 per practice
Pacnet is not responsible for paying:
- the additional costs outside of the subsidy level
- all GST components
- excess charges
Service availability
Please call Pacnet’s Sales team on 1300 553 7000 to find out if our Qualified Health Services are available in your area. We are able to provide a guide to the rebate level you are eligible for but to confirm the level of subsidy rebate available to you please call 1800 818 111.
Pacnet is happy to help you choose a plan that is best suited to your business needs and complete your Subsidy Claim Form. Simply get in touch with us today!
If you would like to know more, why not speak to one of our health specialists? Simply call us on our Health hotline:
1300 553 700
Alternatively, email us at health@pacific.net.au or contact your Pacnet Partner.
Pacnet contacts
Health hotline: 1300 553 700
Email: health@pacific.net.au or contact your Pacnet Partner.
Government contacts
Email:
For technical, provider and policy advice: broadband@health.gov.au
For UIN, RRMA, eligibility and payment advice: bfhp@medicareaustralia.gov.au
Government’s Broadband for Health Hotline: 1800 818 111
Postal Address:
Medicare Australia
Broadband for Health
PO Box 1001
Tuggeranong DC ACT 2901
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing
Broadband for Health Initiative
MDP 66
GPO Box 9848
Canberra City 2601