This week, the FCC announced a program to provide low-income homes with affordable computers and broadband Internet service. The plan is part of the government’s initiative to connect all Americans to the Internet.
Chairman Julius Genachowski commented during a speech that approximately 100 million American are not online at home. "That’s one-third of our population ¬– a 68 percent adoption rate. Compare that to South Korea and Singapore where adoption rates top 90 percent." He said the numbers were troubling. "Whether we’re talking about jobs, education, or health care, in this day and age, getting online is a necessity, not a convenience."
The reason that so many Americans do not have high-speed Internet at home is largely due to cost. To remedy this problem, cable Internet service providers such as Bright House, Comcast, Cox, and Time Warner will offer families that are eligible the discounted monthly Internet service price of $10 a month. This service will also include free installation and modem rental for two years.
Additionally, Redemtech, a computer refurbishing firm, will offer these families desktops or laptops for $150, along with free shipping and 90 days of tech support. Microsoft will be providing new computers for $250.
