School News

School Student Broadband Initiative

SUPPORT YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION WITH 12 MONTHS FREE INTERNET AT HOME 

The Australian Government has established the School Student Broadband Initiative to provide free home internet for up to 30,000 eligible families with school-aged students:

• The period in which a family can apply to receive a free service is up to 31 December 2024
• The duration of free services will continue until 31 December 2025 for all existing and new families

The initiative aims to boost education opportunities. NBN Co is leading the rollout of this initiative across the country. 

How the School Student Broadband Initiative can help your child 

Children who can access online learning at home as part of their education are more likely to engage in classroom activities. 

Access to fast internet at home can also support children to build their digital skills, learn how to safely use the internet and take part in a world that is more reliant on digital technology. 

Eligibility

To be eligible, families must: 

• have a child living at home enrolled in an Australian school 
• not have an active National Broadband Network (nbn) internet service at their home(having a mobile internet service does not affect eligibility) 
• live in a premises that can access the National Broadband Network through a standard connection.  NBN Co will check this for you after you apply
• Not have had an active nbn connection during the previous 14 days*
• register interest with your school and complete a consent form to be assessed for eligibility.

* There may be cases where exceptions can be made, once  you have had your address checked, please contact the School Student Broadband Initiative team at SSBI@education.vic.gov.au to discuss further.

How the School Student Broadband Initiative works

If you are eligible, your home internet service will be provided at no cost  through until the end of 2025, with a participating internet provider  on the National Broadband Network. Each internet provider has its own process to get you connected, which may involve you providing identification. 

Once you sign up, the internet provider will help you set up your connection. The initiative does not include devices such as a computer or tablet. Other members of your household can use the internet service provided through this initiative. 

The period of free internet will start from the day your service is activated with your chosen provider. At the end of the free broadband period, you will not be placed onto a paid service by your internet provider without your consent. The Australian Government is considering options beyond the free period. 

How to apply

• Ask your school for a copy of the School Student Broadband Initiative consent form.
• Complete the consent form and return to the school.
• NBN Co will use student address details on the consent form to confirm eligibility.
• If you are eligible, NBN Co will issue a voucher for your family to use to sign up with a participating internet provider.  This will be provided to you by your school.

Please note: NBN Co will review the home address for eligibility. No personal information other than your main home address will be shared with NBN Co. Please see the consent form for details about how personal information will be used.

Find out more 

For more information about the School Student Broadband Initiative, visit https://www.infrastructure.gov.au