NBN Co will provide $150 million in financial relief to internet providers to support Australian families and businesses during COVID-19.

Under this assistance package, wholesale monthly costs paid by internet providers for businesses facing COVID-19 related financial hardship will be waived. Internet providers will also be given access to discounted access to new business-grade services to help them maintain or re-establish their businesses, once the crisis has passed.

Further support will be provided to low-income households with children who do not currently have NBN access. This will allow these households to get their children prepared for potential online learning in term 2.

NBN Co will also implement measures to assist essential and emergency services, through providing higher internet speeds for telehealth providers, enhanced service levels, and prioritised connections and fault resolution via case management through nbn’s Business Operations Centre during this period of increased demand.

The NBN assistance package will be made available to retailers in accordance with applicable terms and conditions from 30 April to 30 September, but it is a matter for retailers to determine when and what offers they develop for their customers.