Free broadband access

for disadvantaged students

The Federal Government will provide up to 30,000 Australian families with no internet at home free broadband for one year, as part of our plan for a better National Broadband Network (NBN).

19 July 2023

 

THE School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) will provide the opportunity for eligible school students to benefit from fast internet at home to support their education. More than 1,000 Australian families have already benefitted from home broadband connections set up under the initiative.

 

Those working closest with families and students, including State and Territory education bodies, selected charities, and community organisations, will identify families and support them to access the free service.

 

Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP said, “The Albanese Government is committed to narrowing the digital divide – including in our classrooms.

 

“The Government’s School Student Broadband Initiative will provide up to 30,000 families and their children a free home broadband connection so they can reach their full potential.

 

“Whilst many students can access the internet through school Wi-Fi, connecting the internet at home to support remote learning and homework is a serious affordability issue for some families. This initiative will relieve some of the barriers to students fully participating in educational opportunities."

 

“I am confident we can deliver real outcomes for so many students and give them the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.”

 

NBN Co is implementing this target affordability initiative with the support of a $4.5 million commitment in the October 2022-23 Federal Budget.

 

The one-year of free services begins from the day the service is activated.

 

Dr Gordon Reid MP, Federal Member for Robertson said, “The pandemic demonstrated how important it is for locals students on the Central Coast to be connected at home so they don’t fall behind.

 

“I’m proud to belong to a Government that takes digital inclusion so seriously.

 

“I strongly encourage locals interested in this initative to contact my office so we can help connect you to the program.”

 

The SSBI is part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to narrow the digital divide, including by making full-fibre NBN access available to an additional 1.5 million premises – 660,000 of which will be in regional areas.

 

For more information on the SSBI, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/ssbi