In its latest effort to close the nation’s digital divide, Comcast held an enrollment event offering new, qualified Baltimore City residents six months free Internet Essentials service. The on-site sign up event was held Thursday, October 12, 2017 at Pleasant View Gardens located at 201 Aisquith St. in Baltimore.
Comcast partnered with the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) to present the event, which resulted in 18 families signing up for Internet Essentials. The promotion is available to all Baltimore City residents who qualify and apply for the service between October 1, 2017 and October 31, 2017.
Internet Essentials is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive high-speed internet adoption program for low-income households. Comcast launched the program in 2011 and has connected more low-income Americans to the internet than all other similar programs combined.
The program provides low-cost high-speed Internet service for $9.95 a month plus tax; no term contract or credit check; no installation fee; the option to purchase an Internet-ready computer for under $150; access to free in-person or online digital literacy training classes; and as of this year, 40 one-hour passes per month to Xfinity Wi-Fi’s growing network of more than 18 million hotspots.
“The possibilities for smart technology solutions are endless in Baltimore, and initiatives like Internet Essentials highlight the many ways we can leverage smart partnerships to activate tools and resources that improve the lives of our residents,” said Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh. “Although I could not be physically present for today’s launch, I am no less inspired by Comcast’s commitment to Baltimore and their plans to bring affordable home internet to HABC residents and tenants.”
In August, David L. Cohen, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer of Comcast Corporation announced key Comcast Essentials program enhancements, which included expanding its pilot program for low-income senior citizens from five cities and metropolitan areas to 12. Comcast Corporation is a global media and technology company with two primary businesses, Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal.
Donna Rattley Washington is Vice President of Government Affairs and Community Investment for Comcast’s Beltway Region.
“Comcast is a national and international company, but I think we are very unique in terms of being locally-based,” she said. “The majority of our staff are technical and customer service employees wh o live in our community. Giving back is in the company’s DNA and comes down from David Cohen and others at the very top of the company.”
She added, “Our goal is that everyone who can’t pay full price takes advantage of a program like Internet Essentials to bring the internet into their homes. We won’t be satisfied and won’t stop until that happens. We see it as a great opportunity for the residents of Baltimore City.”
In order to qualify for the Baltimore City Promotion, individuals must be new Internet Essential customers and meet the following eligibility requirements: Have at least one child who is eligible for the National School Lunch Program or receive HUD housing assistance; live in an area where Comcast Internet Service is available; not have subscribed to Comcast Internet within the last 90 days; not have outstanding debt to Comcast that is less than one year old; live in Baltimore City; and apply by October 31, 2017. After the promotional period, program participants would pay regular rates of $9.95/month plus tax.
For more information about Comcast’s Internet Essentials, or to apply for the program, visitwww.InternetEssentials.com or call 1-855-846-8376. Spanish-only speakers should call 1-855-765-6995.