An estimated 5,000 California families have already applied for low-cost Broadband Internet in their homes through Comcast’s new Internet Essentials program, a Comcast spokesperson said today.
In the 39 states with Comcast service nationwide, approximately 50,000 families have completed applications for the Internet Essentials program, which offers $10 per month broadband access, discounted laptop computers, and free digital literacy training, said Rachelle Chong, regional vice president of government affairs in California.
So far, the enrollment numbers are encouraging and expected to increase as awareness of the program grows, according to Chong.
"We’re really excited," Chong said. "The numbers are really ramping [up] just in the last couple of weeks. We think the busiest time is yet to come."
Launched for the 2011-2012 school year and now available in all Comcast service areas, the program provides broadband Internet access for $10 per month to families with at least one child receiving free lunch through the National School Lunch Program. The program also provides a voucher for a new or used notebook computer at a cost of $150, with Comcast subsidizing the difference in actual cost.
The program has relied on support from the FCC, local advocacy organizations that provide digital literacy training and help enrollees with application requirements, and state politicians, Chong said.
California state Sen. Alex Padilla (D-LA), chair of the Energy, Utilities and Communications committee, was already working toward increased Internet literacy and access in California when the program was announced, Chong said. The senator offered his support to the Comcast program, filming a Spanish-language public service announcement for Californians who might not otherwise hear about Internet Essentials.
"It is important that we have broadband access and adoption throughout our state in order to create good jobs and drive economic activity in our communities," Padilla said in a statement. "I am pleased that Comcast’s Internet Essentials program will focus on some of our neediest communities to help families with children go online to do school work, apply for jobs and benefits, and connect with relatives who may be abroad."
Program supporters argue that increased Internet access improves education, health and economic stability, making the financial and ethnic divide in access an issue that needs addressing.
At the program’s September 20 launch, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski spoke about the gap in Internet access – less than half of low-income, minority families with children have Broadband Internet access – and the benefits Americans will gain from access at home, according to an event transcript provided by the FCC.
"Getting millions more Americans online is a win-win for consumers and for businesses," Genachowski said. "More Americans will enjoy the benefits of broadband; and there will be more customers connected to our broadband economy. I look forward to working with the private sector and nonprofit community to close the broadband adoption gap and expand the opportunities of broadband to more Americans."
Information about the Comcast Internet Essentials Program is available online at www.internetessentials.com. Eligible families can also call 1-855-8-INTERNET or 1-855-SOLO-995 for Spanish-language assistance.
