The School Student Broadband Initiative is celebrating connecting 15,000 households to a free home internet until December 2025, ensuring learners across Australia get off to the right start – connected online to a world of education and online resources to set them up for success.
The program, delivered by Anglicare Victoria in partnership with nbn, provides immense benefits for connected students and their families, said Anglicare Victoria CEO Paul McDonald.
“The government should be congratulated on this major milestone benefitting 15,000 families across Australia,” Mr McDonald said.
“We know that some families we’ve connected have been going to extraordinary lengths to find free Wi-Fi for their kids to do homework, in shopping centres or takeaway food shops, because they just can’t afford another bill coming in. That’s a tough situation for a child to learn in.
“Every student needs access to the internet to succeed in their learning. Whether these students are beginning prep, starting secondary or doing those important senior school years, this milestone marks thousands of children who might have otherwise fallen behind in the classroom now able to keep up with their schoolwork and their peers.”
The School Student Broadband Initiative gives parents and caregivers who might be financially struggling an opportunity to get the school student in their house free nbn broadband internet access until the end of 2025, if they don’t already have an active nbn service at home.
Now, 15,000 households have been provided free internet across Australia, with the deadline for other eligible families to be nominated closing at the end of 2024. Those joining the program before the end of this year will receive free access until the end of 2025.
To be eligible, a family must have a child enrolled in an Australian school living in the home, have no active broadband service over the nbn network, and be able to access a standard nbn service at the residence.
The free service begins from the day the service is activated for each family and runs until 31 December 2025.
Although Anglicare Victoria is a state-based organisation, it can be contacted by anyone in Australia interested in accessing the SSBI offer by calling the National Referral Centre on 1800 954 610.
For an interview or photo opportunity with an Anglicare Victoria spokesperson, or to discuss a possible case study, please contact Anglicare Media on 0419 035 117 or email media@anglicarevic.org.au.
