Boost for Northern Territory families as free NBN opportunity delivered

More families in the Northern Territory without broadband at home now have access to a free NBN connection for 12 months as part of the Albanese Government’s ongoing roll-out of the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI).

 

The Northern Territory Department of Education has joined as a nominating organisation and is playing a key role in rolling out the initiative to its primary and secondary schools across the territory.

 

Funded through the October 2022-23 Budget to narrow the digital divide and promote greater inclusion for disadvantaged families, the SSBI identifies eligible families through approved nominating organisations who work with vulnerable communities.

 

Eligible families will be issued with a unique voucher through the Northern Territory Department of Education, which they can redeem at one of the participating internet providers. The 12 months of free home internet begins from the day the service is activated.

 

NBN Co is leading the implementation of the initiative. To be eligible, a family must:

  • Have a child living at home enrolled in an Australian school in 2023.
  • Be referred by a nominating organisation.
  • Have no active broadband service over the NBN network.
  • Live in a premise where they can access a standard NBN service.

The SSBI is supporting up to 30,000 families across the country and has now connected over 2,500 families. For more information on SSBI visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/SSBI

 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

 

“Reliable, quality, high speed internet is not a luxury or a nice-to-have. It is essential 21st century infrastructure and that will only become more important as young Northern Territory children grow up.

 

“The SSBI continues our commitment to narrowing the digital divide by reducing the affordability barriers many people face to ensure that families can fully participate in our increasingly online world.

 

“I welcome this partnership with the Northern Territory Government that’s making a meaningful difference to their school students.”

 

Quotes attributable to NT Minister for Education, the Hon Eva Lawler:

 

“This is an important step forwards to providing an equitable and fair education to some of our most remote students in the Territory.    

 

“We know the value of an internet connection to people’s lives – it has fast become a critical part of our economy and society, and this initiative will allow students to take advantage of all the opportunities a high-speed internet connection offers.

 

“The Northern Territory Government is keen to ensure no one is left behind due to a lack of connectivity and access to essential infrastructure and I am excited to see the benefits this initiative will bring to communities across the territory.”