Comcast extends national broadband adoption program

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— Comcast recently announced that the company is extending its Internet Essentials low-income broadband adoption program. During the March 4, 2014 announcement, Comcast Executive Vice President David Cohen highlighted why the nation’s largest video, high-speed Internet and phone provider decided to extend the program beyond its initial three-year commitment. He also noted the initiative directly supports President Obama’s ConnectEd goal of connecting 99 percent of U.S. students to Internet service in the classroom within five years.

“In just two and a half years, this groundbreaking initiative has connected more than 1.2 million low-income Americans, or 300,000 families, to broadband Internet at home,” said Cohen. “We are also proud to join President Obama’s call to action for helping to realize his ConnectED educational goals as we announce today an extension and enhancement of our multi-year commitment to close the digital divide. Here at Comcast, addressing the digital divide head-on has long been a priority for our company. We believe the Internet has the power to transform lives, strengthen communities, and inspire a new generation of leaders.”

According to Comcast, Internet Essentials is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program. It provides low-cost broadband service for $9.95 a month plus tax; the option to purchase an Internet-ready computer for under $150; and multiple options to access free digital literacy training in print, online, and

in-person. Internet Essentials has linked more than 24,400 low-income Maryland residents or around 6,100 families from across the state to broadband Internet access and digital literacy training.

Cohen also announced more than $1 million in grants to dozens of non-profit organizations across the country to create Internet Essentials Learning Zones. These networks of non-profit partners will work together to enhance public Internet access and increase family-focused digital literacy training.

The grants are part of a multi-faceted Gold Medal Recognition Program for communities that have done the most to help close the digital divide. The Baltimore County Public School system has been honored with Gold Medal recognition for driving substantial year-over-year increases in Internet Essentials enrollment.

“We would like to thank Comcast for this recognition and for their assistance to families in Baltimore County,” said Dr. Dallas Dance, Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent. “Providing home Internet service at an affordable rate is critical to ensuring our students can access helpful online learning resources beyond the classroom. This is how we will prepare them for their future and to be globally competitive.”

As a result of Baltimore County Public Schools’ Gold Medal Recognition, Internet Essentials-eligible families in Baltimore County can receive six months of complimentary Internet service if they apply and are approved for the program by Tuesday, March 18, 2014.

“I’m grateful to Dr. Dance, his team at Baltimore County Public Schools and Comcast for working to empower local families with broadband access,” said Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. “Any time the private sector steps forward to increase access to the digital world for more students, it is beneficial for everyone.”

With Baltimore County Public Schools’ noteworthy selection, Comcast is pushing to ensure that Baltimore County residents take advantage of the opportunity to receive six months of complimentary Internet service.

“This is a great program and we want families to take advantage of it,” said Adam R. Pratt, Director of Public Relations for Comcast. “This period where eligible households can receive six months of complimentary service is an opportunity to bring the transformative power of the Internet into even more homes. We are truly excited about the response Internet Essentials has received, and we are grateful to the community partners— like Baltimore County Public Schools— who have played such a vital role in its success.” Cohen highlighted a study conducted by Dr. John B. Horrigan, head of research for the F.C.C.’s (Federal Communications Commission) National Broadband Plan and a former research director with Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project.

“Dr. Horrigan’s study of Internet Essentials showed that 98 percent of families signed up because their kids needed it for school,” continued Pratt. “83 percent of those surveyed said their child’s school expected their students to have online access at home, while 62 percent said they needed Internet access to apply for a job. With the Internet playing such a vital role in people’s lives, our goal is to help more families enjoy the benefits of broadband access.

He added, “There is still much to be done when we look at closing the digital divide. However, we are committed to doing it one family at a time. We are rolling up our sleeves and doing just that.”

For more information about Internet Essentials including eligibility criteria, or to apply for the program, visit: www.InternetEssentials.com or call 1-855-846-8376; and for information in Spanish, visit: www.InternetBasico.com or call 1-855-765-6995.