The transformational benefits of broadband extend beyond education, writes Michelle Rowland

We are hearing first-hand from parents, schools, charities and community organisations about the benefits of the School Student Broadband Initiative, writes Michelle Rowland.

Reliable, fast broadband facilitates digital learning, social and economic participation.

In 2023, Australian children should have internet access at school and at home.

While many families have a home broadband connection, some do not.

This digital divide came to light during the Covid lockdowns when the shift to online learning saw some students forced on to free public Wi-Fi to connect to the classroom.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland. Picture: Supplied

We know affordability continues to be a barrier for low-income families struggling with cost of living, as highlighted in the Australian Digital Inclusion Index 2023.

And, in 2023, this is unacceptable.

Our children have grown up in a world where their educational, social and economic opportunities depend on digital inclusion, digital skills and literacy.

Learning does not end in the classroom and classrooms are no longer confined to school grounds.

The Albanese Government will not let circumstance be a barrier to digital inclusion, access to education or essential services.

This is what our School Student Broadband Initiative is all about – providing free home broadband for school kids who would otherwise go without.

Launched in February, this affordability measure will connect up to 30,000 eligible families over the National Broadband Network (NBN).

We are investing an additional $4.3 million to NBN Co to extend the program through to the end of 2025, taking total investment to $8.8 million.

The additional investment means free home broadband connections will no longer be limited to 12 months and more families can benefit for longer.

We have also extended the nomination period to the end of 2024 so more eligible families with school-aged children can take part.

This is the first time an initiative of this kind has been rolled out nationally.

We are doing this in partnership with NBN Co and the countless community based organisations connecting families to the SSBI through their own networks.

The SSBI is already making a real difference.

More than 5300 families are connected and more than 40 per cent of these are in regional areas.

Broadband facilitates digital learning. This is especially true for students who study via distance, or have limited subjects available at their local school.

KIDS NEWS. School Student Broadband Initiative. Mother spending quality time with daughter. Picture: iStock

The transformational benefits of broadband extend beyond education.

Entire households can – for the first time – access essential services like telehealth and online banking from home.

We are hearing first-hand from parents, schools, charities and community organisations about the benefits.

One parent got in contact to say the initiative brought tears to their eyes.

“We haven’t been able to afford home internet for some time now due to the cost of living and myself being unable to work due to my children requiring regular medical appointments. I am honestly so speechless and blown away by the kindness and generosity of this scheme and I am truly thankful.”

Another single parent with three boys says they could simply not afford home broadband.

“My eldest son, 13, was watching the news and told me to make sure I apply! I am so grateful as this will mean I do not have to hotspot my phone anymore and the boys can use it freely for homework.”

We are also making it easier for households to take part through the recently launched National Referral Centre.

Led by Anglicare Victoria, families can self nominate for an eligibility check by calling 1800 954 610.

I encourage anyone who thinks they may be eligible to reach out to the Centre.

This initiative is another example of our work to address cost of living pressures, narrow the digital divide and create a more inclusive society.

Equality of opportunity is, after all, a core Labor value and education is the great enabler.

For more information visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/SSBI or contact the National Referral Centre on 1800 954 610

Michelle Rowland is the Federal Communications Minister