Comcast Offers Low Cost Internet to Needy Students

All parents know that probably the most important school supply students need is a computer with Internet access.  Homework assignments require research, creating presentations, preparing papers and accessing online classroom sites.  Parents communicate with teachers and school administrators using email and school websites.  Gradebooks, school schedules and other resources have entered the digital world because schools save the printing costs associated with paper handouts and newsletters.

For all of us, the cost of a computer and broadband Internet is significant.  Imagine how much harder it would be if you are barely getting by.  You could be unemployed or working jobs that don't pay enough to raise your family income much above the poverty level.  Internet access is probably considered to be a luxury if you need to worry about the basics such as food and shelter; never mind transportation and utilities.  For students of families facing poverty, access to the Internet relies on getting to school or public libraries.  This may not be possible because of bus schedules or family childcare situations.  For kids already facing challenges, this is just another roadblock to an education that could determine their own ability to rise out of poverty.

Comcast just announced its Internet Essentials program to try to assist families facing these struggles in areas that Comcast provides Internet service.  If a family has at least one child eligible for the federal free lunch program, they may qualify for $9.95 per month pricing on a broadband plan.  This price includes all required equipment, and the price will not rise as long as the family continues to meet eligibility requirements.  Comcast also has an option for a family to purchase a computer for $149.  Free lunches are generally available to students whose family income is 130 percent or less of the federal poverty level and eligibility is determined at the beginning of each school year.  As an example, a family of four that earns less than $29,055 annually would qualify.

This program goes a great way in helping parents manage a tight budget and ensure that their kids have a level playing field with those who have greater resources.  This is not a government-sponsored program and it does not require any taxpayer funding, but Comcast does benefit from exclusive franchise agreements as a cable provider in many parts of the country.  Helping to support the communities that it operates in is the right thing to do, and this program will hopefully make a difference in the families who take advantage of these reduced prices.