Comcast announced it is doubling the download speed of its Internet Essentials broadband service for low-income families and will begin providing Wi-Fi service, including a Wi-Fi router, at no additional cost.
Now entering its fifth year, Internet Essentials is the nation’s largest high-speed Internet adoption program and has connected more than 13,500 Tennessee families. It provides low-cost high-speed Internet service; the option to purchase an Internet-ready computer at a steep discount, and multiple options for free digital literacy training.
The program was created to provide easier access to the Internet and close the so-called Digital Divide that separates communities into information haves- and have-nots based on socio-economic conditions. Internet Essentials has been available in Tennessee and across Comcast’s entire service area since 2011.
“The Digital Divide isn’t confined to certain buildings or neighborhoods in Chattanooga or in any other city or town,” said Comcast Regional Senior Vice President Doug Guthrie. “From day one, our goal has been to make Internet Essentials available wherever inequality exists, and to keep enhancing and expanding the program to serve the broadest number of families possible across entire communities, wherever they might be located.”
“We have made significant progress against closing the digital divide for low-income parents and children across the country,” Mr. Guthrie added. “In less than four years, Internet Essentials has connected more than 500,000 families, or more than two million low-income Americans, to the power of the Internet at home. And we’re committed to doing much more.”
Since the program’s inception, Comcast has made 25 enhancements to Internet Essentials, and this is the third time in four years Comcast has increased speeds for customers. The current speed is doubling to up to 10 Mbps downstream, which is enough to power multiple devices simultaneously. In addition, by offering Wi-Fi routers, customers will be able to connect any Internet-enabled device, including tablets and smartphones, which could help save money on monthly wireless bills.
To receive the faster Internet speed, customers need to reboot their cable modems. Existing customers who would like a Wi-Fi router need to call the dedicated call center and either request to have one shipped to them for free, or they can schedule a professional installation, also for no additional cost. New customers will have the option to receive a Wi-Fi router when they sign up.