Eligible families in Tasmania without a broadband connection can now access a free NBN connection for 12 months as part of the ongoing rollout of the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI).
As the nominating organisation, Homes Tasmania plays a key role in delivering this vital support to disadvantaged families in social housing across the State.
Funded in the October 2022 Budget to bridge the digital divide and promote greater inclusion for disadvantaged families, the SSBI identifies eligible families through approved nominating organisations working with vulnerable communities.
Homes Tasmania provides approved tenants with a unique, government-funded voucher that can be redeemed at participating internet providers.
The 12-month period of free home internet starts on the day the service is activated.
With the addition of social housing provider Housing Choices Tasmania as a nominating organisation, the initiative will reach even more Tasmanian families.
NBN Co is leading the delivery of the initiative. To qualify, a family must
- Have a child enrolled in an Australian school in 2023;
- Be referred by a nominating organisation;
- Not have an active broadband service on the NBN network; and
- Reside in a location where they can access a standard NBN service.
The SSBI will support up to 30,000 families nationally and has currently connected around 3,700 families. For more information on SSBI, please visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/SSBI.