Boost for Tasmanian families as free NBN opportunity delivered

More families in Tasmania without broadband at home will soon 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).

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 third-party nominating organisations who work with vulnerable communities.

Homes Tasmania has now joined as a nominating organisation and – given it owns the majority of all social housing stock in Tasmania – it is well placed to ensure this targeted support gets to those most in-need.

Eligible families will receive a voucher from Homes Tasmania that they can use at a participating internet retail provider to receive 12 months free internet.

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

• Have a child living at home that is enrolled in an Australian school in 2023.
• Be referred by a nominating organisation..
• Live in a premises where they can access a standard NBN service.  

The SSBI initiative is supporting up to 30,000 families and recently reached its first milestone, with over 1,000 families connected.

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 Tasmanians 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 Homes Tasmania and making a meaningful difference to the many eligible social housing tenants who will benefit from this Initiative”.

Quotes attributable to Minister for State Development, Construction and Housing, the Hon Guy Barnett MP

“The Tasmanian Government through Homes Tasmania is delivering on our commitment to improve the lives of vulnerable Tasmanians by providing secure, affordable homes, and now through this initiative, access to what is a critical part of our society and economy – an internet connection.

“It is crucial that we don’t leave young people behind due to a lack of connectivity and this is a welcome addition to our state. I look forward to seeing the benefits it will bring and welcome the work of the Australian Government and NBN Co to deliver this result in collaboration with Homes Tasmania.”