Across Victoria, free-to-air television comes from one of two places: a terrestrial transmitter (Mount Dandenong for metro Melbourne, Mount Tassie for Gippsland) picked up by a roof antenna, or VAST — a free satellite service designed for addresses where terrestrial coverage is unreliable.
When a terrestrial antenna is the right choice
Most Melbourne metro addresses are well within the Mount Dandenong signal footprint. From Frankston up through Box Hill, Berwick, Cranbourne and across the eastern and northern suburbs, a properly installed digital UHF antenna delivers all FreeTV channels reliably.
When VAST is the right choice
VAST is the answer when terrestrial signal is fundamentally unavailable or unreliable:
- **Dandenong Ranges**: terrain shadowing means many addresses in Belgrave, Olinda and Sassafras can't see Mount Dandenong at all.
- **Yarra Valley**: rolling country and rural distance create signal blackspots.
- **Mornington Peninsula** fringe: properties tucked behind hills or thick foreshore vegetation.
- **Rural West Gippsland**: addresses beyond reliable Mount Tassie coverage.
What VAST gives you
All the major free-to-air networks (ABC, SBS, Seven, Nine, Ten and their multi-channels) plus regional and remote-area channels. The picture is digital and rock-solid as long as the dish has clear sky to the satellite.
Installation reality
A standard antenna install runs the same as any roof job. A VAST install needs a satellite dish with a clear south-eastern sky path (in Victoria), a VAST-certified set-top box, and a registered installer to commission the smartcard.
How to decide
The honest answer is that we meter your roof first. If terrestrial signal is below threshold, we recommend VAST. If it's marginal, we sometimes install both — antenna for everyday viewing and VAST as a guaranteed back-up. Call us on 0497 098 109 or request a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers related to this guide.
Is VAST really free?
Yes — it's a federally funded service. Once installed and registered, there's no subscription. You pay only for the install and the equipment.
Can I have both an antenna and VAST?
Absolutely, and we recommend it for fringe addresses. Each TV can switch between sources with a single remote button.