To boost educational opportunities and narrow the digital divide, families without home internet are encouraged to apply for the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI). Access to internet at home can support children to build their digital skills and participate in a world that is more reliant on digital technology.
The Australian Government is supporting the National Broadband Network (NBN) to implement the SSBI to provide free home internet for one year for up to 30,000 unconnected families across Australia with school aged students.
To be eligible for SSBI, a family must:
- Have a child living at home that is enrolled in a Queensland state school in 2023.
- Not have an active internet service at home. Having a mobile internet service does not affect eligibility.
- Be referred by a nominating organisation such as the Department of Education (the department).
- Agree their child has access to a device and has the digital skills to use the internet safely or will be supervised.
- Live in a premises that can access the NBN via a standard connection – this will be checked by NBN.
Referral through the department
The department is pleased to support the nomination of families for the SSBI. If you would like to apply for the SSBI please use the link OR contact 07 4923 0333 for an application (online or paper form) and further information about the initiative. Applications must be submitted by 8 September 2023.
Online application: SSBI Family application form