Free nbn internet for families in hardship

The coronavirus epidemic has unfortunately seen many Australians suffer financially. But at the same time, families are need internet access more than ever to stay connected for work and education.

Now one internet service provider has volunteered a plan to help out regional families that are struggling.

Sydney company IPSTAR Broadband has announced it would give away free NBN via satellite to families in non-metropolitan areas that are doing it tough.

IPSTAR managing director Shannon Fisher said he wanted to help those Australians “who are often left behind”.

“Parents of school-aged children are now being asked to not only work from home but also help their children with schooling,” he said.

“We are providing these families with free-of-charge plans to ensure they can continue to earn a wage or obtain an education when they are being asked to stay at home.”

Am I eligible for the free NBN plan?

Families that are receiving the government’s Family Tax Benefit A or B may access the IPSTAR’s Sky Muster Plus plan for free-of-charge, including installation.

The service, delivered via NBN satellites, allows 10GB per month for video streaming and VPN access – but all other activities are unmetered.

Households that apply for the free plan must not already be connected.

Hardship applications can be made on this page at IPSTAR’s website.

IPSTAR stated it’s currently increasing capacity by 40 percent, and prioritising schoolwork traffic between 9am and 3pm each day.

Article originally appeared in Yahoo