To boost education opportunities and narrow the digital divide, the Australian Government has provided around 30,000 qualifying families with school age children a free NBN service. Connected families will receive free internet until 30 June 2028.
The School Student Broadband Initiative has now reached its connection allocation, with no more places available under the current initiative. An evaluation of the SSBI is currently underway to assess the impact of the Initiative has had on families and students.
The Government has invested $13.7 million to implement the Initiative in partnership with NBN Co.
The Australian Government is continuing to look at ways to support Australian families with cost of living relief. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please contact your current telecommunications provider as they can assist you in meeting your payment obligations and help keep you connected.
What types of NBN services are provided under the Initiative?
The following internet providers are participating in the Initiative:
- Activ8m e (APN—providing Fixed Line, Fixed Wireless and Satellite services)
- Aussie Broadband
- Belong (Telstra)
- Connected Australia (Queensland only)
- Multiwave
- Optus
- SkyMesh (providing Fixed Wireless and Satellite services)
- Superloop
- Vodafone (TPG).
The national Initiative aims to provide NBN's 50/20 wholesale speed tier. This means that during peak usage periods, the download speed should be around 50 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds ranging from 5–20 Mbps. More information is available on NBN Co's website.
How long do free services provided through School Student Broadband Initiative continue?
The free NBN home internet service remains connected until 30 June 2028.
Are devices included in the Initiative?
Devices such as phones, tablets or computers are not included as part of the Initiative. A free Wi-Fi router/modem (that does not have to be returned) is provided to families by their chosen participating internet provider.
School Student Broadband Initiative and scams
Scammers may try using the Initiative to impersonate a participating entity, such as NBN Co, to get your money. It's important to know that you will never be contacted and asked to provide bank details or to pay money to participate in the Initiative by NBN Co. If you receive a suspicious phone call, report it immediately to the ACCC's Scamwatch website https://scamwatch.gov.au.
What organisations have participated in the initiative to support families and carers?
The following organisations have supported the Initiative by nominating families and carers that are a part of their respective systems.
National coverage
- Catholic Network Australia
- Mission Australia Housing
- Public Education Foundation
- St Vincent de Paul Society (excludes Victoria and Western Australia)
- The Salvation Army
- The Smith Family
- WorkVentures
ACT
- ACT Education Directorate—ACT Government
- Argyle Housing
- Catholic Education, Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn
- CHC Australia
- YWCA Canberra
NSW
- Argyle Housing
- Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre
- CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes
- Evolve Housing
- Housing Trust
- Junaya Family Development Services
- Kings Langley Public School
- Mountains Youth Services
- Pacific Link Housing
- Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood House
- South Eastern Community Connect
- Think + Do Tank Foundation
NT
QLD
- Brisbane Catholic Education
- Department of Education—Queensland Government
- Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Schools
- Jacaranda Housing
- North Burnett Community Services