In the past, I have called attention several times to the importance of Comcast's Internet Essentials program in expanding high-speed Internet access to low-income persons, veterans, seniors, and others. As I said in an August 6, 2019, blog titled, "Comcast Significantly Expands Its Internet Essentials Program," "there is widespread agreement among policymakers and politicians regarding the manifest importance of access to the Internet and use of the Internet as we go about our daily lives." At the time, when Comcast announced an expansion of its existing program to connect more eligible low-income persons than previously, I said: the broadband provider "is once again enhancing the Internet Essentials program, and in a significant way."
Today, in a particularly timely action, Comcast has announced a further expansion of its Internet Essentials program – this time focusing on supporting low-income students, schools, community organizations, and others as the new (and unprecedented!) school year begins. Comcast is implementing measures that will help ensure reliable Internet access is available to those who must prepare, at least for the next several months, to make distance learning a success.
For example, Internet Essentials will add the free xFi platform for parents to connect, protect, and monitor children’s devices and online activities. And Comcast will continue to offer 60 days of free Internet service for new Internet Essentials customers.
Comcast is certainly not alone among our nation's broadband providers in taking constructive measures to help close remaining digital divides. And the efforts in this regard by many private sector service providers during the epidemic have been especially noteworthy.With its announcement today regarding another significant expansion of its Internet Essentials program – this time to support the all-important distance learning effort – it is right and proper to take note of Comcast's ongoing positive contribution.
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