Comcast partners with Chicago to provide low-cost broadband to poor inner-city students

May 31 2011
By Fred Hoot - Google+

Normally charging a minimum of 48.95 for broadband internet access, Comcast has partnered up with the City of Chicago to provide low-cost, high-speed broadband for $9.95 a month.  Comcast is also waiving installation and service fees.

In determining who is eligible, the families with children in school will have to be eligible for free school lunches.  This helps in establishing the financial need of the families.

Additionally, technology training for eligible families will be provided.  They will also be able to buy refurbished computers for $150.  The actual value of those computers is around $500.

This plan will start in September and last for at least three years.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel appears to have plans for a longer partnership and he said “If a parent signs up a child at kindergarten or first-grade, Comcast will stay with that child all the way through to high school.”

This partnership with Comcast is just one piece of a plan by the City of Chicago to provide broadband access to all lower income families.

Comcast Executive Vice-President David Cohen said “So many of us take Internet access for granted. … I wish that were true for every household in Chicago.”

David Cohen also wants to bring up the level of access of the poorer communities to that of wealthier communities.

Convinced? How about checking out the Comcast cable internet deals over here.

Circle Fred on Google+

Follow Broadband Expert on Twitter

Circle Broadband Expert on Google+