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.

School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI)

Update as of 1 October 2025:

The School Student Broadband Initiative National Referral Centre (NRC) is now closed.

• Going forward, existing School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) families and carers are advised to go to their chosen participating internet service provider for help and support.
• NBN have an updated version of SSBI FAQs to reflect the changes on the NRC webpage and they can be downloaded from the digital asset portal here. https://digitalassetportal.nbnco.com.au/customshare/index/Na74D
• A reminder that 30 June 2025 the program closed and any unredeemed School Student Broadband Initiative vouchers are now invalid and can no longer be used to connect to the free home internet offer.
• For families and carers who are not on the program and are experiencing financial hardship, please ask them to contact their telephone or internet service provider to discuss whether they have any service options that might be available.

*SCHOOL STUDENT BROADBAND INITIATIVE (SSBI) PROGRAM CLOSED TO NEW APPLICANTS*

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. For approved applicants, the program was extended to 30 June 2028. 

**Update on the rollout of the SSBI**

As of 5 May 2025, the SSBI program has been fully subscribed and is not accepting any further nominations from families or carers. Approved families will still be able to access free internet until 30 June 2028, with up to 30,000 places available in the program.

Any families and carers with an unredeemed SSBI voucher can redeem it by contacting a participating SSBI internet provider. For assistance, the National Referral Centre can be contacted on 1800 954 610 Monday – Friday, 10am – 6pm (AEST) or visit www.anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet. Families and carers have until 11:59pm, Monday 30 June 2025 to redeem their voucher with a participating SSBI internet provider.

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 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
    • 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.

Want to find out more?

Read the School Student Broadband Initiative Frequently Asked Questions.

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.