PC Magazine: Comcast's Low-Income Internet Program Reaches 100,000 Families
Stephanie Mlot
August 16, 2012 

Comcast this week provided an update on its low-income Web service, known as Internet Essentials, which is now servicing nearly 100,000 families, or almost 400,000 low-income Americans.

Internet Essentials launched in Sept. 2011, providing $10-per-month online access to families who have at least one child enrolled in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).

Internet Essentials is intended to close the gap between Internet users, and those who can't afford a $40 or $60 per month fee. Participants must live where Comcast already provides service, and must not have been a Comcast subscriber in the last 90 days, or have an outstanding Comcast bill or unreturned equipment.

Comcast worked this year to enhance the program, expanding its eligibility requirements to those with children in the reduced price school launch program as well as the free lunch program. Comcast also grew its digital literacy component, doubled connection speeds from 1.5Mbps to 3Mbps, and unveiled a bulk order program for communities.

Moving into the second year of the program, Comcast will once again embark on a multi-city tour to publicize Internet Essentials, as well as talk about the experience and what changes have been made in the year.

"And we won't stop there," David L. Cohen, executive vice president and chief diversity officer for Comcast, said in a blog post. "We have a lot more work to do because the fact remains that far too many Americans, many from low-income families, are still not connected to the Internet and taking advantage of all that it has to offer."

Those interested in signing up for the service can call 1-855-8-INTERNET. By providing a name and address, Comcast will verify that the family is enrolled in the NSLP, then sign people up.