Free internet for eligible school kids until December 2025

What is the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI)?

In 2023, the Australian Government established the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) to provide free home internet until 31/12/2025 for up to 30,000 unconnected families with school age students. Giving unconnected students the opportunity to access fast and reliable broadband internet at home is important to support their learning and education in an increasingly digital world.

NBN Co is leading implementation of this initiative and is working closely with industry, government and community organisations that support the wellbeing of families who could benefit from the SSBI.

You can also check out the recent article on our website for more context here:  Free internet for students in eligible families | nbn (nbnco.com.au)

Also listen to Brett Salakas, HP Education Ambassador, introduce the SSBI initiative here.

How does the SSBI work?

• The home internet service will be provided to students and their families until 31/12/2025 by a participating internet provider over the nbn network at no cost.
• The initiative does not include a device such as a computer or tablet. Note: The Australian Government is considering options beyond this initiative.
• Families can contact the SSBI National Referral Centre (NRC) to check their eligibility for the Initiative.
• After a family contacts the NRC, an operator will verbally check their eligibility and support the family to get connected through a participating internet provider.  Please note that as per the above criteria, no supporting paperwork or background checks are required.

Remember the National Referral Centre is here to help!

Families can contact the National Referral Centre on 1800 954 610 (Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm AEDT) – or by visiting the website: www.anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet.

What will the National Referral Centre help with?

• • Eligibility checks – the National Referral Centre team will assess the family’s need and check their residential address against the eligibility criteria.
  • Call back, webchat and interpreting services are available for families and organisations.
  • Available to assist the family with contacting the participating SSBI internet service provider of choice.
  • Providing follow-up support for eligible families and available for any queries.