The School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) is an Australian Government program giving eligible families 12-months of nbn® access at no cost.
We’ve answered some common questions about the initiative below. If you have a question that isn’t covered here, or want info about the initiative in general, head over to the Australian Government website .
What is the SSBI?
The SSBI is an Australian Government initiative to deliver one year of home broadband services over the nbn® network at no cost. It’s open to up to 30,000 eligible families with school-aged students who don’t currently have an nbn connection.
How does the SSBI work?
The SSBI is funded by the Australian Government. They’ve partnered with organisations (like participating schools, education authorities and charities/community organisations) to identify and nominate eligible families. Those families will receive an nbn connection at no cost for 12 months.
Who can access the SSBI?
To access the SSBI, families must be referred by one of the nominating organisations selected by the Australian Government. Nominating organisations will identify families and support them through the eligibility, registration, and order process.
Which organisations can refer people to the SSBI?
The Australian Government chooses which organisations can nominate people to the SSBI. You can check who’s currently involved .
How will nominated families get access to Belong nbn?
nbn co will provide each eligible family with a unique voucher code to redeem with us.
What’s the eligibility period for the SSBI?
Currently, the initiative will close on 30 Sept 2023 or once the 30,000 places have been distributed.
What plan is Belong offering as part of the SSBI?
We’re offering our Standard Plus plan at no cost for 12 months. It comes with:
unlimited data
typical download speeds of 48Mbps and typical upload speeds of 17Mbps between 7pm and 11 pm
a Belong modem so eligible families can access the internet across multiple devices.
Note: actual speeds may be lower and will be confirmed post-connection for FTTN/B/C connections. Find out more about nbn speeds (PDF | 180 KB) .
What happens after 12 months are over?
Currently, the SSBI is a 12-month program. Before the family’s 12 months is up, we’ll contact them and talk about their options moving forward.
We won’t charge participating families at any point during the 12-month program. If a family wants to stay with Belong after 12 months, we’ll arrange that with them.
I’m already a Belong customer, can I join the SSBI?
The SSBI was set up to give 12 months of internet at no cost to school children who do not have an internet service at home. To access the SSBI, you must be referred by one of the nominating organisations selected by the Australian Government.
Still need help? Let’s talk
Call us for help with your internet between 8am and 8pm (AEST), 7 days a week.