In 2004 the High Frequency radio system was replaced by a satellite-based system.

SIDE families were provided with a satellite dish and computer by the Department of Education under the SatWeb project. This satellite system allowed students to participate in lessons using web conferencing software. Initially, students could only talk to other SatWeb users but changes to the software in 2007 meant even the most isolated students could join interactive lessons with any other student working online regardless of location.

In this year the schools on Cocos and Christmas Islands and the School of Instrumental Music came under the SIDE umbrella.