New Centre makes it easier for eligible families to connect to free NBN

The Albanese Government is making it easier for eligible families to access 12 months free broadband over the NBN, with the launch of a new National Referral Centre to support the ongoing rollout of the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI).

The SSBI – launched in February this year – fulfils an election commitment to help to narrow the digital divide for families who otherwise have no access to broadband at home. The initiative aims to connect up to 30,000 families nationwide.

The new National Referral Centre – led by Anglicare Victoria – now allows families to nominate themselves for the program directly, making it easier than ever for households in need to get connected.

To date, NBN Co has been partnering with more than 50 organisations that work with vulnerable cohorts to identify eligible families.

More than 4,000 households around Australia have been connected through the initiative. An additional 18,700 connection vouchers have been issued to eligible families. Eligible families are issued a voucher they can redeem with a participating internet provider to redeem their free connection.

To be eligible, a family must:

• Have a child living at home and enrolled in an Australian school.
• Be referred by a nominating organisation or self-nominate through the National Referral Centre
• Have no active broadband service over the NBN network.
• Live in a premise where they can access a standard NBN service.

Families can contact the National Referral Centre on 1800 954 610 (Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm AEDT) or by visiting www.anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet.

For more information on SSBI, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/SSBI

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

“The School Student Broadband Initiative is part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to narrow the digital divide and reduce affordability barriers so that more families can take advantage of the internet.

“The new National Referral Centre will make it even easier for eligible families to sign up to the program. Anglicare Victoria is well-placed to operate the Centre, given their fantastic work supporting and empowering children, young people and families.

“The SSBI has already connected thousands of families as a result of constructive engagement with community partners. The launch of the new National Referral Centre means there now several pathways to get eligible families online.

“I encourage families who may be eligible to contact the National Referral Centre to participate in this important program."