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More families in Tasmania without broadband at home will soon have access to a free NBN internet connection for 12 months, provided that they pass eligibility. The initiative is part of the Albanese Government’s ongoing roll-out of the 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.
Homes Tasmania has now joined as a nominating organisation and – given it owns the majority of all social housing stock in Tasmania – it is well placed to ensure this targeted support gets to those most in-need.
Eligible families will receive a voucher from Homes Tasmania that they can use at a participating internet retail provider to receive 12 months free internet. NBN Co is leading the implementation of the Initiative.
To be eligible, a family must:
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland welcomed the partnership with Homes Tasmania, saying the partnership will make “a meaningful difference” to many social housing tenants.
“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 as young Tasmanians grow up,” said Communications Minister Michelle Rowland.
“The SSBI continues our commitment to narrowing the digital divide by reducing the affordability barriers many people face to ensure that families can fully participate in our increasingly online world,” Rowland said.
Meanwhile, state development, construction, and housing minster Guy Barnett said providing a stable and high-speed internet connection was critical to improving the lives of vulnerable Tasmanians, particularly its young people.
“It is crucial that we don’t leave young people behind due to a lack of connectivity and this is a welcome addition to our state. I look forward to seeing the benefits it will bring and welcome the work of the Australian Government and NBN Co to deliver this result in collaboration with Homes Tasmania,” Barnett said.
