Comcast has announced the largest-ever expansion of our Internet Essentials program, extending internet access eligibility to an additional three million low-income Americans.
According to the U.S. Census, the harsh reality is that people living in high-poverty cities are 10 times less likely to have broadband at home than those in higher-earning communities. Internet Essentials is Comcast’s nationwide effort to close that digital divide.
In Oregon and SW Washington, Comcast has already connected 52,000 households: more than 200,000 individuals. That’s people who can now search the web for jobs, stay on top of their homework, make doctor’s appointments — and be ready for anything. The expansion announcement means now more seniors and people with disabilities will qualify, as the program has opened up eligibility to a dozen federal assistance programs including Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SNAP, and many more.
“Having an Internet connection at home is absolutely vital for low-income people living with disabilities,” said Carol Salter, President of Easter Seals of Oregon. “I commend Comcast for extending its Internet Essentials program because it will help us advance our mission to assist individuals with disabilities, veterans, seniors and their families, particularly in updating their technology skills and finding career opportunities.”
Internet Essentials is with families every step of the way—from enabling Wi-Fi access, to the opportunity to buy an affordable laptop, along with digital literacy training to ensure those new to the internet can surf the web securely.
To learn more about the program, or to see if you qualify, visit internetessentials.com.
