The Albanese Government has extended the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI), increasing support for families without home internet access. The program, recently extended with an additional $4.9 million in funding, provides eligible households with a free NBN connection until June 30, 2028. More than 23,000 families have already benefited from the initiative, which aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure all students have equal access to online learning resources, regardless of their family's circumstances. To qualify, families must have a school-aged child living at home (up to Year 12), no active NBN connection in the past 14 days, and live in a premises that can access the NBN network via a standard connection.

The program operates through a voucher system, with eligible families contacting the National Referral Centre (operated by Anglicare Victoria) for assessment. Once approved, families receive a voucher they can redeem with participating internet providers. The service remains free until the program end date, with no automatic transition to a paid service without consent. Families who move house during the program period can transfer their service to their new address if it meets eligibility criteria. The extension provides both existing SSBI users and new applicants with free internet access until mid-2028, offering significant cost-of-living relief while supporting education outcomes.

Key points:

Provides free NBN internet access to 30,000 eligible families until June 2028

Saves households approximately $1,000 per year in internet costs

More than 23,000 families already connected through the program

Families can apply until December 31, 2025, or until all 30,000 places are filled

Operated in partnership between the Australian Government and NBN Co

[1] https://www.schools.vic.gov.au/school-student-broadband-initiative-ssbi#eligibility

[2] https://www.nbnco.com.au/corporate-information/media-centre/media-statements/school-student-broadband-initiative-extended-to-mid-2028