• The duration of the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI), an Australian Government program, has been extended until 30 June 2028.

• Families and carers already connected to a nbn SSBI service through the program will be automatically extended^#, while those with unredeemed vouchers are encouraged to contact a participating internet provider to connect to the program.

• Once the program reaches the cap of 30,000 SSBI services connected, no further nominations will be accepted by participating internet providers, and any unredeemed vouchers will become invalid.

nbn is proud to continue delivering the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) as part of the Australian Government's extension of the program until 30 June 2028. The extension ensures that families can benefit from free nbn home internet access for longer, supporting education and digital skills development for students across the country.

The program, which is aimed at supporting families and carers with school-age children and no active nbn service, seeks to provide up to 30,000 eligible households with free broadband over the nbn^® network until 30 June 2028.

With over 23,000 free nbn SSBI services already provided by participating internet providers through the program, this extension means families and carers can continue to benefit from this cost-saving initiative for an additional two and a half years.

Additionally, qualifying families and carers who have not yet participated now have more time to take advantage of the program, either by redeeming an existing voucher or applying for one - with the nomination period being extended until 31 December 2025, unless the cap of 30,000 services is reached earlier.

The National Referral Centre (operated by Anglicare Victoria) and nominating organisations across the country are working with nbn to deliver on this ambition.

Ellie Sweeney, Chief Executive Officer at NBN Co, said:

"Extending the School Student Broadband Initiative until 2028 will mean that students and their families, no matter their circumstances, have access to the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in an increasingly connected world.

"Access to reliable internet offers a foundation for success - in and out of the classroom. This program empowers students to access online learning resources, participate in virtual classrooms, and develop essential digital skills that will prepare them for the future workforce and a digital economy.

"The School Student Broadband Initiative doesn't just benefit students - it supports families. By providing free nbn internet access, this program helps students stay engaged with their education and reduces the cost on families of accessing learning resources.

"We are very proud to work alongside the Australian Government, Anglicare Victoria and nominating organisations across the country to deliver this program. Together, we are ensuring that students and families in need are supported with the connectivity that is vital to their education, wellbeing and future success.

"With more than 23,000 families already benefiting from free nbn broadband access through the School Student Broadband Initiative, we're excited that this extension will offer eligible households more flexibility and time to benefit from this cost-saving program.

"This initiative is about more than connectivity - it's about creating opportunities and empowering communities. By extending the program, we are helping to foster equality, build digital literacy and ensure that students and their families can fully take advantages of the opportunities of the digital age."

Footnotes

# It is expected an automatic extension will apply if the family's participating SSBI internet provider decides to be part of SSBI after the end of 2025. nbn is considering alternative arrangements where a participating internet provider decides not to continue past the initial period end date of 31 December 2025, and those arrangements may involve the family selecting a new participating internet provider.

Notes to Editors

• Qualifying families and carers now have until the program reaches the cap of 30,000 SSBI services provided (or 31 December 2025, whichever comes sooner) to redeem their voucher with a participating provider.

• To qualify to apply for the SSBI program, a family must:
  • have a child living at home that is enrolled in an Australian school (up to Year 12 including Prep in QLD/VIC/TAS, Kindy in NSW, Reception in SA, Transition in NT/ACT and Pre-Primary in WA)
  • not have an active nbn network internet service at home - having a mobile internet service does not affect eligibility
  • live in a premises that can access the nbn network via a standard connection
  • not have had an active nbn connection during the previous 14 days

• For more information, contact the National Referral Centre (operated by Anglicare Victoria) on 1800 954 610 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm AEDT) or visit Student Internet Program - Anglicare Victoria.

• A list of participating internet providers is available at School Student Broadband Initiative.