MIDDLETOWN — With seemingly all of our daily life activities dependent on the internet right now, it is more important than ever to make sure we have reliable, working service. Internet access is vital to working from home, finding out news and educational resources, and to help people stay connected with loved ones.
Comcast will continue to offer 60 days of free Internet Essentials service to new customers through June 30. They will also continue to waive the eligibility requirement on past-due debt to help individuals get approved.
Internet Essentials is the nation’s largest, most comprehensive internet adoption program for low-income households. Comcast works in partnership with tens of thousands of school districts, libraries, municipalities, and nonprofit community partners to help bridge the digital divide and support digital literacy.
They recently expanded Internet Essentials eligibility to include all low-income families, including seniors, veterans and people with disabilities.
Internet Essentials is especially critical for the Assets Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed population. ALICE are working individuals whose earnings are above the federal poverty level, but below a basic cost-of-living threshold. They are the households who cannot afford to budget for anything extra, including internet access.
However, with the help from Internet Essentials from Comcast, this population can qualify for low-cost internet access.
Comcast has permanently increased speeds for all of new and existing Internet Essentials customers from 15 Mbps to 25 Mbps.
Comcast is also not disconnecting anyone’s internet or phone service for nonpayment through June 30, and all late fees are being waived. If you are experiencing trouble paying your bill, Comcast asks customers call them directly to discuss whether their services need to be adjusted.
Thousands of outdoor and small business Xfinity WiFi hotspots will remain open to all. During this crisis, those hotspots are beneficial to essential workers who are out and about, but also provide internet access to some families who live in close proximity to these hotspots.
Additionally, Comcast is running a promotion to university students who live within their service areas in need of internet service a Visa prepaid card, containing approximately two months of internet service costs; as well as no upfront fees or installation costs.
Comcast is also pausing its data plans through June 30, giving all customers unlimited data for no additional charge.
Comcast continues to be a true community partner, looking out for individuals and families during a very trying time. We are proud to work with them on various projects, as well as have them as a cooperate sponsor.
For information, visit InternetEssentials.com or call 844-252-7452.
Kevin Wilhelm is president and CEO of the Middlesex United Way in Middletown.
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