The terms “datacasting” and “open narrowcasting”, defined in the Broadcast Services Act – 1992, were developed to provide additional services for the introduction of digital television in Australia. These services were designed to differ from existing broadcast television channels.

The focus of datacasting broadcasts is to deliver content which is information and education text based which includes some video content, “public meetings” (such as parliamentary business/public hearings/open meetings) and advertising.

Open narrowcasting services are defined as having restricted appeal or a limited audience either in numbers or geographical location. Narrowcasting is designed to targeted special interest groups, special events, particular business segments and specific geographical areas and so forth.