()Many of us cannot imagine our lives without internet access at home. We use it daily to get news and entertainment and also to search for healthcare options for ourselves and our families. It’s also used to make contact with friends and family, find jobs, apply for scholarships and schools, shop, and save time.
Many low-income households are not connected to the internet and miss out on life-changing opportunities the Internet offers.
The U.S. Census American Community Survey found that 81 percent of U.S. households have access to broadband Internet, while only 63 percent of Americans with an annual income of less than $35,000 have it.
Comcast has been working for the past seven year to address this “problem.” “digital divide”Its Internet Essentials program has been the most popular broadband adoption program in America for low-income families.
This program has had a tremendous impact on families as well as their children. Since its inception, over six million Americans with low income have been connected.
This is a staggering number that dwarfs the population of any American city, except New York City. The numbers can seem daunting, but the people who have benefited are all able to relate their stories.
“Low-income people face problems when it comes to accessing technology and a lot of people are left behind,”Pam Ogglesby is an Internet Essentials customer.
“I signed up for the program and I now see what I was missing. I feel connected now and it’s all because of Internet Essentials. I think this is going to change my life drastically. I intend to use the Internet to learn new things.”
Internet Essentials was first offered to families of low income with children who were eligible for the National School Lunch Program. Low-income seniors living in more than 12 markets are now eligible, as is anyone who receives HUD-housing assistance. This includes HUD’s Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher and Multifamily programs.
The company will expand eligibility to low-income veterans who live within the Comcast service areas. According to the U.S. Census American Community Survey (US Census American Survey), about a third of veterans do not have access to the Internet at home and only 60% own a computer. This creates a need for better options that will benefit the veteran community. According to Comcast, over one million veterans are eligible.
Comcast’s Internet Essentials Program works with community partners in order to overcome the major barriers to Internet access: lack of affordable service, lack of a computer, or other device; and lack digital training. High-speed Internet service is available for $9.95 per month plus tax. You can also purchase an Internet-ready computer starting at $150 for less than $155. Free digital literacy training is offered in print, in person and online.
For more information, please visit www.internetessentials.com/applyContact us at, or dial 1-855-846-8375. Spanish-only speakers may call 1-855-765-6995