Today marks a significant milestone in the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI), with 15,000 families now connected to free home internet through the program.

The Australian Government program, which is being implemented by nbn, is aimed at supporting families and carers with school-aged children and no active nbn service. The current SSBI seeks to provide up to 30,000 eligible households with free broadband access via the nbn® network until the end of December 2025.

The National Referral Centre (operated by Anglicare Victoria) and nominating organisations across the country are working with nbn to deliver on this ambition. By providing essential connectivity at home, the program empowers students to participate in their education and build essential digital skills.

Felicity Ross, nbn Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, said:

“nbn is proud to support this program as part of our commitment to support equitable access to digital education resources for students across Australia,  and enhance digital inclusivity more broadly.

“Access to internet at home supports online learning and can help increase engagement in classroom activities at school. It can also help students build their digital skills, learn how to safely use the internet and lay the foundations for participating more effectively in an increasingly connected world.

“You, or someone you know, may be eligible to access free home internet through the SSBI and we encourage people to contact the National Referral Centre to find out more information. They can help determine eligibility and also assist eligible families to contact a participating internet provider to get connected.”

For more information, contact the National Referral Centre (operated by Anglicare Victoria) on 1800 954 610 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm AEDT) or visit Student Internet Program – Anglicare Victoria