Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton is encouraging students across the Western Plains to take up the opportunity to access free broadband.

With many across the electorate already back in school or about to start school this week, he said it was a great time to remind families of the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI).

“Through this initiative the Australian Government aims to bridge the digital divide and expand educational opportunities for students who do not have home internet access.

“I am pleased to see SSBI has been extended, now offering free home internet to eligible families until 30 June 2028,” Mr Coulton said.

To qualify, participants must:

• • Have a child living at home that is enrolled in an Australian school;
  • Not have an active NBN network internet service at home or in the past 14 days (having a mobile internet service does not affect eligibility); and,
  • Live in a premises that can access the NBN network.

This extension is available to all eligible families, whether they are existing participants of SSBI or new to the program.

Federal Government initiative

The program was due to finish this year, but the Albanese Government announced an additional $4.9 million in funding to NBN to extend it to 30 June 2028.

More than 23,000 families across the country are already accessing free NBN broadband through the SSBI, and the Labor Government hopes additional funding will assist more families to access the program.

Families save around $1,000 a year through the program.

Backed by Anglicare, there are only 30,000 places are available.

A spokesperson for the program urged those interested in applying to do so quickly. “We’re getting a lot of interest. With the cost of living facing families, this is something that can indeed put their children on an even playing field when it comes to digital access.”

To check your eligibility, call 1800 954 610 or visit: https://www.anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet/ .

For more information, visit: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/internet/national-broadband-network/school-student-broadband-initiative-ssbi