From Craig D’agostini, Vice President, Government & Regulatory Affairs, Comcast
Despite our best efforts to advocate for its continuation, earlier this year, the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has sadly come to an end. The ACP was established by Congress in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has helped 23 million households pay for internet service, including 425,968 Hoosiers. While the loss of ACP is an unfortunate development for families who have not had to worry about the cost of their internet bill, there are affordable alternatives.
As summer is quickly coming to a close, and school children and their families are prepping for a new school year, along with notebooks and pencils, parents understand that internet access is key to ensuring their child’s success. From online classes to research to submitting that final paper, having always-on access to the internet is vital in ensuring students succeed academically. The good news is that Comcast offers Indiana residents low-cost internet to meet families’ online needs for the start of the school year.
Affordable Home Internet
We want families across the state to know that we are listening. We’ve heard your frustrations and challenges with getting home internet that is safe, reliable and with simple pricing. About four-in-ten adults with lower incomes do not have home broadband services (43%) or a desktop or laptop computer (41%) according to a 2021 study by the Pew Research Center. Let me break down your best options to get online at home and in time for the next school year.
- Recently receiving “Best” ratings by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance’s Honor Roll of Low-Cost Plans, for families who need a no-frills low-cost option, Comcast’s Internet Essentials program offers home internet service starting at just $9.95/month. This includes speeds up to 50 Mbps, free equipment, no credit check and no term contract. Residents can also receive speeds up to 100 Mbps with Internet Essentials Plus for $29.95/month. A recent CNN Underscored article outlined how various plans can successfully support a family during the school year with online classes, web browsing, sending emails and streaming. Both plans have received a “Best” rating by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance’s Honor Roll of Low-Cost Plans. To learn if you are eligible for the program, please visit Xfinity.com/internetessentials.
- Earlier this year, we announced our NOW lines of service, where we offer all-in pricing without contracts or credit checks for both home Internet and mobile plans. Offering higher speed tiers without eligibility requirements, NOW Internet costs just $30/month (for 100 Mbps) and $45/month (for 200 Mbps), which can easily be combined with NOW Mobile for as low as $55/month total.
Online Community Centers
If home internet is not an option, Comcast has created 18 “Lift Zones” at community centers throughout Indiana to offer free WiFi access. With more than 1,250 Lift Zone locations nationwide, these active online learning hubs, not only offer free internet access but often classes and other learning opportunities with a Digital Navigator to gain an understanding of online resources. Who are Digital Navigators? Trusted experts affiliated with local nonprofits, educational institutions and governmental organizations, who are trained to help people learn how to get online, use devices and acquire digital skills.
“We’re seeing the impact of the digital divide happen in real time – affordability, access, and gaps in digital skills knowledge affect many of the families who participate in the Financial Stability Alliance and Free Community Tax Service programming,” said Randy Rogers, President & CEO, United Way of South Central Indiana. “Working together with Comcast and the City of Bloomington, investments in our community like laptops and continued affordable internet access can – and will – change the lives of the individuals and families our nonprofit partners serve every day.”
Lift Zones are a critical connection point for those who do not have access to the Internet elsewhere. In fact, four out of 10 Lift Zone users report they would not have Internet access without it, and 56% say that Lift Zones are critical to their success at school, work or managing tasks online.
Here are just a few of our Lift Zone partner organizations that offer digital learning. Click here to find a Lift Zone near you.
- Boys & Girls Club of Indianapolis – LeGore (5228 W. Minnesota Street)
- Education & Career Development – Power Hour, Career Launch, Money Matters
- CUC Business Development Center (809 Lincoln Way West, South Bend)
- Boys & Girls Club of Fort Wayne (2609 Fairfield Ave., Fort Wayne)
- Power Hour, Project Blueprint, Career Pathway Center
Having an internet connection is vital in today’s digital age. Between applying for jobs to working remotely to communicating with your doctor – everything happens online. Here in Indiana, we are committed to bridging the digital divide and fostering a future of unlimited possibilities.
To read more about our regional digital divide initiatives, click on Comcast Gives $50,000 to the Literacy Alliance post or Comcast and United Way Partner to Donate 100 Laptops post.
