Low Cost Internet Available for Free Lunch Recipients

PHILADELPHIA — Families whose children receive a free school lunch may be eligible to receive Internet service from Comcast for $9.95 per month.
The program is called Internet Essentials, which provides low-cost Internet service, affordable computers and digital literacy training to families with children eligible for a free lunch under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
Comcast spokesman Jeff Alexander said those families can also purchase a quality computer for $149.99 and receive free digital literacy training online, in print and in classes. He said the program addresses three of the primary barriers to broadband adoption that research has identified: knowledge of the Internet and how to access it, the price of Internet service and availability of a computer.
“The goal of Internet Essentials is to get more Americans online and help close the digital divide,” said Alexander. “We know the Internet is a great equalizer and it’s life changing technology.”
He said while the “world has gone digital, for many low-income families, it has not,” which puts their children at risk of falling behind.
Internet Essentials is being introduced in more than 4,000 school districts in 39 states and the District of Columbia. There are no price increases, activation or equipment rental fees.
“We’re making an outreach to every superintendent and every mayor in the county,” said Alexander.
The $9.95 monthly fee (plus tax) includes the Norton™ Security Suite ($160 value) for comprehensive online security protection at no additional cost.
A household is eligible to participate in the Internet Essentials program if it meets all of the following criteria:
• Located where Comcast offers Internet service and has at least one child eligible to receive a free school lunch under the NSLP. As an example, according to the Department of Agriculture, a household of three would have to make less than $25,000 a year in income.
• Has not subscribed to Comcast Internet service within the last 90 days.
• Does not have an overdue Comcast bill or unreturned equipment.
Comcast will sign up eligible families in the program for at least three years and through the end of the 2013-2014 school year. Any household that qualifies during this three-year period will remain eligible for Internet Essentials provided the household still qualifies for the program until that child graduates from high school.
For information, go to www.internetessentials.com for English or www.internetbasico for Spanish.
Those interested in enrolling in the program may call: 1-855-846-8376 or, for Spanish, 1-855-765-6995.