The member for Corangamite Libby Coker is urging families with no internet at home to apply for one of 30,000 free broadband spots available as part of the Albanese Government’s plan for a better National Broadband Network (NBN).

The school Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) will provide the opportunity for eligible school students in to benefit from fast internet at home to support their education for a period of one year from the day of service activation.

Ms Coker met with Oberon High School principal Tim McMahon who was inspired by the opportunity this initiative posed for his students, said McMahon.

• Schools are encouraged to contact State and Territory education bodies, selected charities, and community organisations, who will connect families and support them to access the free service. The Smith Family, Catholic Network Australia, and Catholic Education WA have already joined the initiative, with more expected to take part over the coming weeks.
• “I strongly encourage local families interested in this initiative to contact their school or my office so we can help connect you to the communty organisations participating in the program,” said Ms Coker.

“The pandemic demonstrated how important it is for locals students in my region to be connected at home so they don’t fall behind.”

NBN Co is implementing this target affordability initiative with the support of a $4.5 million commitment in the October 2022-23 Federal Budget.

The SSBI is part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to narrow the digital divide, including by making full-fibre NBN access available to an additional 1.5 million premises – 660,000 of which will be in regional areas – and working to support First Nations Australians digital inclusion through the formation of the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group.

For more information on the SSBI, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/ssbi