Program Offers Low-Cost Internet to Low-Income Families

More than one-third of all Americans are not connected to the Internet, according to a 2010 report from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Of those not connected, many are low-income families that do not have a computer and/or cannot afford Internet costs. Comcast and its partners are offering an opportunity for those families to get hooked up through its new Internet Essentials Home Internet Service. 

The new collaboration with nonprofit One Economy and technology companies Dell, Acer and Microsoft offers low-cost Internet access of $9.95 per month to qualifying families. The program also includes free Internet training and installation. 

Superintendent Shawn Lewis-Lakin is excited about the program. "I applaud Comcast and others for creating these low-cost programs and reaching out to our community," Lewis-Lakin said. Lewis-Lakin said he always encourages families to take a look at new opportunities to enhance their educational process. 

“Most children can connect to the Internet in the classroom, but many do not have it available at home, for a variety reasons. The most common factor is affordability,” said MaryBeth Halprin, vice president, Public Relations & Community Affairs for Comcast. Halprin, a Royal Oak resident, is excited to see this project unfold in communities across the country. 

Comcast’s longtime focus has been on literacy, Halprin said. Recently, the company awarded a $10,000 grant to the Boys & Girls Clubs in Michigan, including the Royal Oak organization, to help the clubs launch their Club Tech program. Comcast also sponsored digital education programs for Dearborn, Detroit and Holland, MI, as well as supported reading programs in Wayne, Washtenaw, Livingston and Oakland counties. 

To qualify for the program at least one child in a household must be eligible for a 100 percent free lunch as part of their enrollment in the National School Lunch Program. More than 1,400 of the Royal Oak school district's 5,300 students qualify for the free and reduced-lunch program.

Internet Essentials can provide low-cost Internet services, a voucher to purchase a notebook style computer for $150 or less and a suite of free digital literacy training programs, available in print, online and in person.

Bringing the Internet into the home provides children access to additional educational resources such as Wikipedia, Kids Know It and Fun Brain. Moreover, adults can use the Internet to search for higher education opportunities, jobs, health care, government services and more. 

Brett Tillander, chief professional officer of The Boys & Girls Club of South Oakland County, said he thinks the program is terrific. “Comcast has been a leader in creativity when it comes to bringing the Internet to those who can benefit most from the service,” Tillander said. 

Tillander said he will share information about the Internet Essentials program with the Boys & Girls Club families when the center reopens in September.

For more information about the program visit www.internetessentials.com or call 855-8-INTERNET (855-846-8376) to request an application.