A new program to ensure students have adequate internet access at home to help fulfil their educational potential is now open for families to apply for support in 2023. The Student Home Internet Program aims to provide disadvantaged students with the same opportunities as others to complete homework requirements and extended learning at home.

The program was first considered pre-COVID, when digital strategy consultations undertaken by the Department for Education found that some students had unsatisfactory or no internet available at home. Remote learning during COVID further highlighted the need for a support program.

This program, which is open to all SA government school students who don’t have adequate home internet access, will see families supplied with a dongle (if required), SIM card and internet access until the end of 2023.divdivbrdivdiv“Reliable internet access enables students to study online at home and extends their learning opportunities,” said Dan Hughes, Acting Chief Information Officer, Department for Education.
“At a time when some families may be struggling with the cost of living, the program is offering support to ensure all students have access to the internet at home to help with their education.“

Not only will the program provide a service to students to bridge any digital inequity, but it also allows teachers to design more learning experiences that use digital technology.”

The program will begin in term 1 of 2023, with applications for the service now open on the department’s website.

Parents or guardians are required to complete and sign a user agreement which states that it is the parent or guardian's responsibility to supervise their child while they are using the mobile internet service and that the service has been provided for educational use only.