I came across this whilst browsing Exetel's website. I know a lot of people wouldn't really consider this a deal, but thought it was worth sharing anyway.
From the Australian Government's Department of Infrastructure website:
To boost education opportunities and narrow the digital divide, the Australian Government is working with NBN Co to provide up to 30,000 families with no internet at home free NBN for 12 months.
To be eligible, families with school age children will be nominated by participating schools, education authorities and charities/community organisations. These organisations will identify and provide information directly to families within their respective systems about the initiative.
The first families were connected during Term One in 2023. The one-year of free service begins from the day the service is activated for each family.
The Government is supporting NBN Co’s implementation and delivery of this initiative with a $4.5 million grant. This is a targeted affordability initiative while the Government considers longer-term solutions to address digital exclusion and education.
Who is eligible to receive free services?
To be eligible, a family must:
- Have a child living at home that is enrolled in an Australian school in 2023.
- Be referred by a nominating organisation. This will include consideration of whether your child has access to a device and the digital skills to use the internet safely.
- Have no active NBN service.
List of participating nominating organisations. In addition, Federal Members of Parliament and Senators are able to identify and nominate eligible families.
National
- Catholic Network Australia
- St Vincent de Paul Society (excludes Victoria and Western Australia)
- The Salvation Army
- The Smith Family
ACT
- ACT Education Directorate – ACT Government
- Argyle Housing
- Catholic Education, Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn
NSW
QLD
SA
TAS
VIC
WA
Edit 23/10/23:
To check your eligibility, follow these simple steps.
Contact the National Referral Centre, operated by Anglicare Victoria, on 1800 954 610 (Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm AEDT) or at www.anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet.
The National Referral Centre team will help assess your eligibility for the SSBI, by checking several things including your residential address and current financial situation.
If eligible, you will be issued a voucher which can be redeemed at any of the participating SSBI retail service providers. The National Referral Centre will also be available to assist with contacting your SSBI retail service provider of choice and providing follow-up support.
This is a great deal. Some of you are a bit out of touch. I know some families who rely on just local library internet. This will be useful.