Boost for South Australian Families as free NBN opportunity delivered

More families in the South Australia 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).

 

South Australia’s Department for Education is making this assistance available to over 10,000 eligible families in their school system. SSBI vouchers have been issued directly to these eligible families so they can place an NBN order with a participating internet retail provider. The 12 months of free home internet begins from the day the service is activated.

 

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.

 

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 around 3,000 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 South Australian 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 South Australian Government that’s making a meaningful difference to their school students.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, the Hon Blair Boyer MP:

“More than 10,000 families will have access to this initiative which will reduce the digital divide across South Australia.

“A good education is the key to every child’s future – regardless of their ability or circumstances – and the assistance we’re providing to access and engage in education is vital.

“Research shows that students who can access online learning at home, as part of their education, are more likely to engage in the class.”