School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI)

To boost education opportunities and narrow the digital divide, the Australian Government is providing around 30,000 qualifying families with school age children a free NBN service. All connected families receive free internet until 30 June 2028.

The Initiative is not currently accepting new nominations, but unredeemed vouchers will remain valid until 11:59pm on 30 June 2025. For more information please visit the National Referral Centre at Student Internet Program—Anglicare Victoria.

The Government has invested $13.7 million to implement the Initiative in partnership with NBN Co.

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 choice of internet provider will vary depending on where you live. Your voucher will list the internet providers available at your address.

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.

When do free services commence through School Student Broadband Initiative?

The free NBN home internet service begins as soon as a family is connected and remains connected until 30 June 2028.

How do I qualify?

To qualify families and carers must:

  • Have a school age student at home (full or part time), enrolled in an Australian school (up to year 12 including Prep in Qld/Vic/Tas, Kindergarten in NSW, Reception in SA, Transition in NT/ACT and Pre-Primary in WA).
  • Not have an active NBN network internet service at your current residential address now or in the past 14 days (having a mobile internet service does not affect eligibility).
  • Live in a premise that can access the NBN network through a standard connection.

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.

Translation support

For people from non-English speaking backgrounds, or people with accessibility challenges, the National Referral Centre can offer translation services through the Translation and Interpreting Service and some of their own bi-lingual staff. The National Referral Centre's website is also equipped with ReciteMe technology Student Internet Program—Anglicare Victoria.

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

ACT

NSW

NT

QLD

SA

TAS

VIC

WA