Comcast, a MACo Gold Corporate Partner, offers affordable internet access for families that receive free or reduced lunch. Internet Essentials from Comcast is a new program designed with the assistance of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to bridge America’s digital divide. In conformity with the National Broadband Plan, the program addresses key barriers to Internet access and adoption by providing affordable Internet access, the opportunity to purchase a computer and training to low-income families with at least one child receiving free lunches under the National School Lunch Program.

Eligible participants will receive:

• Comcast home Economy Internet service for $9.95 per month (plus taxes) with no activation fees, additional equipment rental charges, credit checks, or long-term contracts;
• The option to purchase a pre-configured computer for 149.99 (plus taxes); and
• Access to digital literacy training.

An entire household will be eligible to participate in the program if the household:

• Is located where Comcast offers Internet service;
• Has at least one child receiving a free or reduced school lunch through the National Free School Lunch Program (NSLP);
• Has not subscribed to Comcast Internet service within the last 90 days; and
• Does not have an overdue Comcast bill or unreturned equipment.

Participating families may be able to benefit from Internet Essentials℠ for the entire life of their child’s K-12 education, as long as they remain eligible.

Spreading the word to families will go a long way in helping to drive adoption of what is becoming an essential element of education in America. The Internet has the ability to strengthen and enhance the lessons learned in the classroom and is an increasingly important tool for students and their parents to succeed.

For more information on Internet Essential from Comcast and the enrollment process, please visit www.internetessentials.com or for more information please contact John Conwell at John_Conwell@cable.comcast.com.