Comcast, the cable TV/phone/internet giant, launched its much-awaited Internet Essentials program in Chicago in May 2011. Now the program is expanding to Miami, Florida and Delaware.
That means low-income families in Comcast service area can get high speed broadband internet access for just $9.95 per month if they have children who receive a free lunch through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
“Access to the Internet has the potential to be a great equalizer and a life-changing technology,” said Comcast executive vice president David Cohen. “Internet Essentials helps level the playing field for low-income families.”
But it’s not just Comcast executives who are excited about the possibilities of this program. Leaders in Miami and Delaware quickly praised Internet Essentials.
“The Internet Essentials program is a perfect example of how a local school system, city government and the business community can all work together to create solutions that move our entire community forward,” enthused Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado.
“Access to the Internet is important for Delaware parents looking for jobs or researching the best options for their families,” Delaware Governor Jack Markell noted. “Young people who enter the work world already computer literate have a head start in this digital economy.”
Here, in a nutshell, are the basics of Internet Essentials. For just $9.95 per month, participating low-income families will get high-speed broadband access. And just to sweeten the deal a little more, Comcast has committed to providing the service with no activation fees, no equipment rental fees, and no price increases.
After examining the problem in great detail, Comcast came to the very logical conclusion that the fastest internet service in the world would be meaningless if participating families didn’t have good, reliable computers on which to access the internet. So Internet Essentials customers will also receive vouchers that make it possible for them to buy home computers for just $149.99 (plus tax). Comcast is also offering free computer training for all participants. And as if that weren’t enough, the offer includes a free online security protection package.
At this point, Miami and Delaware residents are probably asking, “How do I qualify for this incredible Internet Essentials deal.” And here’s the simple answer: Any household is eligible to participate in in this program if (1) It’s located in an area in which Comcast offers Internet service, (2) It has at least one child eligible to receive a free school lunch under the National School Lunch Program, (3) It hasn’t subscribed to any other paid Comcast Internet service in the last 90 days, and (4) It doesn’t have any overdue Comcast bills or unreturned equipment.
If you live in Miami or Delaware, get more information by getting in touch with Comcast ASAP and find out if you’re eligible. This is a terrific program and there’s no reason to wait.
As for Comcast’s customers in the rest of the country, hold on. The company is rolling the program out across the country as quickly as it can and it will surely be coming to your town soon.
Source: CED Magazine
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