Eligible families in Tasmania without broadband are encouraged to sign up for a free NBN connection for 12 months as part of the Albanese Government’s ongoing roll-out of the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI).
As a nominating organisation, Homes Tasmania is playing a key role in targeting this vital support to those families in social housing who need it most across the State.
Funded through the October 2022 Budget to narrow the digital divide and promote greater inclusion for disadvantaged families, the SSBI identifies eligible families through approved nominating organisations who work with vulnerable communities.
Homes Tasmania is providing approved tenants with a unique voucher, funded by the Albanese Government, which can redeemed at one of the participating internet providers.
The 12 months of free home internet begins from the day the service is activated.
With community housing provider Housing Choices Tasmania also recently signing on as a nominating organisation, the initiative is set to reach even more Tasmanian families.
NBN Co is leading the implementation of the initiative. To be eligible, a family must:
The SSBI is supporting up to 30,000 families across the country and has now connected around 3,700 families. For more information on SSBI visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/SSBI.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing and Construction, the Hon Nic Street MP:
“The Rockliff Liberal Government is committed to improving the lives of vulnerable Tasmanians so that no one is left behind. Internet connectivity is vital in this day and age – so we’re happy to work together with the Federal Government to help more families get connected," Minister Street said.
“It’s fantastic to see Tasmanian families and school children already benefitting from free internet access, and I look forward to seeing more as the initiative continues to roll out.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
“Reliable, quality, high speed internet is not a luxury or a nice-to-have. It is essential 21st century infrastructure and that will only become more important as young Tasmanian children grow up," she said.
“The SSBI continues our commitment to narrow the digital divide by reducing the affordability barriers so that more families can fully participate in our increasingly online world.
“This partnership with the Tasmanian Government is making a meaningful difference to school children and families in need."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, the Hon Julie Collins MP:
“This initiative by the Albanese Government is helping to bridge the digital divide by getting Tasmanian families online," she said.
"I’m particularly pleased this partnership is helping families living in social housing.
"All Tasmanian school children should be able to excel in the classroom and this program is helping that a reality."
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