CONNECTING TO THE INTERNET
School Student Broadband Initiative
Update: SSBI Program Access Closing Soon
The SSBI Program is reaching full capacity, and some key changes are coming.
Why is the SSBI portal closing on April 4th?
The portal is closing because the program is nearing full capacity. To ensure all available spots are allocated properly:
Only a limited number of spaces remain.
Vouchers must be issued before the portal closes on April 4th.
After the closure, all inquiries should be directed to the National Referral Centre (NRC) for further assistance.
Will the program reopen for new families in the future?
There is no confirmed information at this time. However, we can take your details and notify you if a similar program becomes available in the future.
What should families do if they missed the registration deadline?
Unfortunately, the program has now closed. However, we can take your details and keep you informed about any future programs that may offer similar support.
If my family is still in the 14-day waiting period, what should I do?
Families in this situation should be referred to the National Referral Centre for further assistance.
Is interpreter support available for non-English-speaking families?
Yes, interpreter support is available for all languages. If you experience any issues accessing language support, please let us know, and we will assist you.
If I have a voucher but have not reedemed it can I still try?
Yes , please try your voucher. If it does not work, it may be that the capacity for the program has been reached.
Who is eligible for SSBI?
Families and carers who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for the SSBI program. If you already have an SSBI connection, your service will be automatically extended until the new deadline. If you haven’t signed up yet, don’t wait!
Connections are available until the program reaches its 30,000-service cap.
To be eligible, families and carers must:
· have a child living at home enrolled in an Australian school
· have no active broadband service over the NBN network in the last 14 days; and
· live in a premises where they can access standard NBN services.
Once a family is assessed as eligible, they are issued with a unique voucher which they can redeem with us at Think+DO Tank Foundation.
The free service begins from the day the service is activated until 30 June 2028 and is available across all NBN technologies.
How to Apply - Applications Closed
Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
I already have an SSBI Voucher - how do I redeem it?
If you’ve already received an SSBI voucher but haven’t redeemed it yet, act fast!
Once the program reaches 30,000 connections, unredeemed vouchers will no longer be valid.
As of January 23, 2025, 23,149 families have already connected to the SSBI program.
To redeem your voucher simply contact one of the internet providers listed in the voucher and get connected.The SSBI scheme has been extended. I am already connected - do I need to take action to benefit from the extension?
No. If you are already connected, there is no further action required. Your service will continue automatically.
Important Updates
The deadline to redeem vouchers is Friday 4th April 2025.
Can I help friends to connect? How can I stay informed?
We encourage community organisations, schools, and support networks to share this opportunity widely. Together, we can ensure that every eligible family benefits from this vital service.
For more details, visit the National Referral Centre webpage.
You can access the full SSBI announcement by the Minister here.
Need Help?
If you have any questions or need assistance, our team is here to help. Contact us through the button below.