Education resource hub

Internet technologies and plans are constantly changing as are your family’s needs. It’s important to understand your options and review them on a regular basis. Following are links to further information to help you make an informed decision about your best home internet options:

• Webpage: Find the Best Residential Internet Service for You
• Webpage: How to choose the best internet or phone provider and plan
• Fact sheet: Education – making the most of your internet at home

Did you know, we can provide you with a free and independent Connectivity Report! The Regional Tech Hub can complete a Connectivity Report for your location detailing all your phone and internet options tailored to your location and needs. There is no cost, simply complete the form, and we will send the information directly to your email.

Free NBN internet for eligible school children until 30 June 2028.

In 2023, the Australian Government established the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) to provide up to 30,000 qualifying families and carers with school-aged children free access to the National Broadband Network (nbn®). This service is offered to those who do not currently have an active nbn connection at home and may experience difficulty financially in accessing the internet. It has been extended to 30 June 2028. 

The program was due to finish in 2025. The extension will now allow the free services to continue for new and existing families until 30 June 2028, with up to 30,000 places available in the program. Applications will be taken until the cap of 30,000 is reached. It brings the Albanese Government’s total investment in the program to $13.7 million.

Key points about the SSBI

• Free internet provided to school students until 30 June 2028 by a participating internet provider over the nbn network at no cost to families.
• The initiative does not come with a device, such as a computer or tablet, but it does include the modem/router, monthly plan cost and installation costs.
• Families are encouraged to contact the SSBI National Referral Centre (NRC) to check their eligibility. You will be asked to provide information which may include questions around finances, the schools attended and your current access to internet services.
• If you qualify, you will be issued a voucher which can be redeemed at any of the participating internet providers. The NRC will also be available to assist with contacting your chosen internet provider or providing follow-up support.
• Families and carers already connected to a nbn SSBI service through the program will be automatically extended^#, while those with unredeemed vouchers are encouraged to contact a participating internet provider to connect to the program
• Once the program reaches the cap of 30,000 SSBI services connected, no further nominations will be accepted by participating internet providers, and any unredeemed vouchers will become invalid.
• At the end of the period, you are not required to keep your nbn service or continue paying for it. You will be notified in advance and can decide whether to continue the service, with the monthly plan cost thereafter being your responsibility.
• Contact the National Referral Centre, on 1800 954 610 (Mon–Fri, 10am–6pm AEDT).

What will the National Referral Centre help with?

• Eligibility checks – the NRC 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 families with contacting participating SSBI internet service provider of choice.
• Follow-up support is available through the NRC for eligible families.

Eligibility requirements

To qualify families and carers must:

• Have a school-aged student at home (full or part time) enrolled in an Australian school (up to year 12 including Prep in QLD/ VIC/ TAS, Kindergarten in NSW, Reception in SA, Transition in NT/ACT, and Pre-Primary in WA).
• Not have an active nbn network internet service at your current residential address now or in the past 14 days (having a mobile internet service/phone plan does not affect eligibility).
• Live in a premise that can access the nbn network through a standard connection.

Want to find out more?

Read the School Student Broadband Initiative Frequently Asked Questions or view this flyer.

After selecting the right connection and plan for your needs, you may still need additional equipment to extend or improve the internet connection in your study space.

The following resources have been developed to help you navigate your equipment options:
Fact sheet: Optimising your home network
Webpage: Wi-Fi Extenders
Webpage: Routers

We’ve created a quick guide outlining the key factors to consider when setting up your space for video conferencing in educational settings. You can also find out more about making calls using your internet here.

By taking these into account, you can ensure you have the most appropriate set up to support your or your child’s learning.

For further information, your state education department will have additional information. Please refer to the relevant government website for specific state-based education resources.