The School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) has been extended to offer eligible students and households free broadband internet at home until Friday 30 June 2028.
About the initiative
Led by the National Broadband Network (NBN), the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) is a Federal Government initiative offering free home internet to 30,000 eligible households with school-aged students.
Families and carers currently connected to the NBN network through SSBI will have their connection automatically extended with their participating internet provider until 30th June 2028.
For new families the services commence from the time the service is activated with the internet provider. Note that other household members can use the internet services provided by the initiative.
When the program reaches the cap of 30,000 services connected, no further nominations will be accepted, and any unredeemed vouchers will become invalid.
If you have a voucher that has not been used, please be sure to activate your free service with a participating internet provider as soon as possible.
After the free period, households will not be placed on a paid service without consent. The government will explore options for what happens to services beyond the end date in 2028.
Eligibility
To be eligible for SSBI, families must:
- have a child living at home who is enrolled in an Australian school (up to year 12 including Prep)
- not have an active NBN network internet service at home (excludes mobile internet services)
- live in a premises that can access the NBN network via a standard connection (NBN will confirm this)
- not have had an active NBN connection during the previous 14 days.
How to get started
To be assessed, contact NBN National Referral Centre on 1800 954 610 or visit anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet to request a call back.
Please note:
- NBN will check your nominated home address for an active NBN connection.
- You do not need to provide financial information.
- Translation and interpretation services are available.
Some families might also be contacted via their school, with information about how to apply.
Information about Internet Providers
Once you have confirmed that you are eligible for free home internet, you can choose your preferred internet provider from a list of participating internet providers in your area. Each internet provider will have their own connection process, which may involve the provision of personal information by the primary carer or parent.
If you move house between now and Friday 30 June 2028, you can continue to access the service in your new home (subject to the eligibility criteria).
- You must contact your internet provider if you are planning to move house.
- The internet provider will support you to move the service to your new property.
More information
For more information about eligibility, contact the NBN National Referral Centre or 1800 954 610.
For further information on the SSBI, visit the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website.
Updated