The initiative is designed to eliminate barriers to broadband service and increase access to the Internet for the economically disadvantaged. Your child can hold his head up in class because he will no longer endure the embarrassment that comes with having to request extra time to complete his homework because mommy and daddy worked late and were unable to get him to the neighborhood library. And he can raise his hand high because he literally has all of the tools to succeed academically right at his fingertips.
The package includes a low-cost Internet service for $9.95 per month (plus applicable sales tax), a low-cost computer voucher to purchase a computer ($149.99 plus tax), access to free Norton Security Suite online safety software and digital literacy training in print, online or in-person.
“The Internet has the potential to be a great equalizer and a life changing technology,” offers David L. Cohen, executive vice president of the Comcast Corporation. “[Internet Essentials] will help level the playing field for low-income families and [connect] students online with their teachers and their school’s educational resources.”
If you’ve signed up for Comcast Internet service in the past 90 days, have an overdue Comcast bill or in possession of Comcast equipment that should have been returned, unfortunately you will not be eligible for the Internet Essentials program.
The services will be deployed in 4,000 low-income households and applications will be accepted through the 2013-14 academic school year. –yvette caslin
