Connecting More Americans to the Internet

digital divide

Today, the internet is essential for education, healthcare, finding a job, and starting a business. To help even more people get online, internet providers across the country are working to provide tools and resources for low-income families to get connected and to overcome the skills gap.

Recently, Comcast announced that Internet Essentials, the company’s program to deliver affordable internet to low-income households, is now reaching over one million American families, up from just 750,000 a year ago. Since the program’s inception six years ago, Internet Essentials has expanded eligibility to include more families with school-aged children, those receiving HUD housing assistance, and low-income seniors.

Also, this week Cox launched the Cox Digital Academy, an expansion of its Connect2Compete (C2C) program that has provided low-cost internet and devices to over 250,000 low-income students and families. Cox Digital Academy provides free online educational resources and training to increase digital competency in education, jobs, housing, social media and more.

These aren’t the only programs focused on connecting families to affordable internet access. Charter Spectrum Internet Assist equips low-income families and seniors with internet, computers, and other devices. Additionally, the Midcontinent Broadband Lifeline Assistance Program provides low-cost broadband and free wireless modems to midwestern states. Earlier this summer, Mediacom announced faster internet speed and free Wi-fi modems for its broadband adoption program it operates with C2C.

For more info on how companies are helping connect more families, visit our page dedicated to closing the digital divide.