Comcast Offering Cheaper Internet Access For Low-Income Students
By: Alexandra Sutter WMBD/WYZZ
Updated: October 1, 2012
PEORIA -- Comcast is offering an internet service for families with students getting free or reduced lunch.
It's called Internet Essentials. The program is new this fall.
Government Affairs Manager for Comcast Art Svymbersky said there is a high demand locally. Already more than 650 families in central Illinois are taking advantage of it.
He said using the internet has become necessary for learning and this program helps give students an equal opportunity.
Svymbersky said, "30 percent of Americans still don't have internet service. Many of those are lower income families who live at or below the poverty line, so yes many people are still needing to find internet access and those families that don't have internet access right now are falling behind in different catergories than those who do."
Internet Essentials costs $9.95 per month.
According to Comcast, you may be eligible to participate if your household meets all these criteria:
-Is located where Comcast offers internet service
-Has at least one child receiving free or reduced price school lunches through the National School Lunch program
-Has not subscribed to Comcast internet service within the last 90 days
-Does not have an overdue Comcast bill or unreturned equipment.
To find out more visit www.internetessentials.com.
