Cheaper internet to help Aussies doing it tough during coronavirus

Eligible Aussies will pay less for their NBN under a new $150 million relief package, which the government says will help keep people online during the coronavirus crisis.

The National Broadband Network will be discounted for some Australians under a plan to drive down internet bills during the pandemic.

NBN Co’s $150 million relief measure will waive internet providers’ wholesale monthly costs with savings then passed on to users.

The package was aimed at helping low-income parents with school-aged children, people experiencing financial hardship, and struggling small to medium businesses.

If people are unable to keep paying their internet, NBN Co will provide financial relief to internet providers so they can maintain NBN connections for those households.

The relief package will reduce the cost of accessing the NBN for eligible customers.

Federal Communications Minister Paul Fletcher said it was designed to allow more people to stay connected online during a tumultuous time.

“The internet is incredibly important in connecting us to loved ones, enabling education, and allowing us to run our businesses and stay productive from home,” he said.

“Of course, the coronavirus crisis has presented extremely difficult financial and economic challenges for many Australian families and businesses and access to affordable broadband is more important than ever.”

Mr Fletcher said he expected and encouraged all internet providers to pass the benefits of NBN Co’s relief measures on to end users of the service.

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