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.
The initiative seeks to boost educational opportunities and narrow the digital divide.
About the initiative
The SSBI enables eligible households access to free internet on the NBN network until 31 December 2025, starting from the time the service is activated with the internet provider. Other household members can use the internet service provided by the initiative.
Households have until 31 December 2024 to apply. Please see the application process below.
After the free period, households cannot be placed on a paid service without consent. The government is currently exploring options for what happens to services beyond 2025.
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(opens in a new window) or visit anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet(opens in a new window) 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(opens in a new window) 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 31 December 2025, 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(opens in a new window) or 1800 954 610(opens in a new window).
For further information on the SSBI, visit the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website(opens in a new window).
Updated