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More eligible families across Australia will have the opportunity to benefit from 12 months free broadband following an extension to the nomination period, under the Albanese Government’s School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI).
Funded through the October 2022-23 Budget to narrow the digital divide and promote greater inclusion for disadvantaged families, the SSBI identifies eligible families through third-party nominating organisations who work with vulnerable communities.
To provide these organisations the best opportunity to offer this assistance amid continuing cost of living pressures, the period for which families can be nominated for a free service has been extended until 30 April 2024.
“Reliable, quality, high speed internet is not a luxury or a nice-to-have. It is essential 21st century infrastructure and that will only become more important in coming years,” said Communications Minister Michelle Rowland.
“With growing cost of living pressures on Australian families, the Albanese Government wants to ensure Australian families have the opportunity to apply for this initiative.”
Over recent months, a number of additional organisations across Australia have joined the SSBI to identify and nominate families who could benefit from free broadband at home.
This demonstrates the strong cross-sector support for SSBI, including state and territory governments, education authorities, community organisations in regional and low socioeconomic areas, social housing providers, right down to individual schools.
Over 1,500 families are now connected – up from 1,000 in July 2023 – with the connection milestone helping more students get the educational opportunities they deserve.
“The SSBI continues our commitment to narrowing the digital divide by reducing an affordability barrier so students and their families can fully participate in our increasingly online world. I look forward to seeing more people come onboard,” Rowland said.
NBN Co is leading the implementation of the initiative. To be eligible, a family must:
Eligible families receive a voucher from a nominating organisation that they can use at a participating internet retail provider to receive 12 months of free internet. The 12 months of free service begins from the day the service is activated and is available across all NBN technologies.
