Comcast Internet Essentials: program to extend broadband access begins second year in MD

Comcast ushered in year two of its Internet Essentials program, through which some families in Maryland are able to receive broadband Internet for $9.95 per month. It’s a program we first reported on last December.

Maryland families are eligible for the Internet Essentials program provided they meet the following criteria:

• They’re located in an area where Comcast service is available.
• At least one child is eligible to receive free or reduced-price lunch through the National School Lunch Program
• They haven’t signed up for Comcast service in the last 90 days.
• They have no overdue Comcast payments or unreturned Comcast equipment.

Since inception of the Internet Essentials program, Comcast estimates about 160,000 people, or about 41,000 “low-income families,” have received broadband service. The program answers some requirements set forth in a deal with FCC as part of the Comcast acquisition of NBC Universal.
The second year of Internet Essentials in Baltimore city kicked off at Westside Elementary School on Sept. 28, where Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake awarded the school a $1,000 grant for having the most improved school attendance during the last year.
“In Baltimore City, we work hard to ensure our students are well-equipped with the tools and incentives they need to succeed in the classroom,” said Rawlings-Blake in a statement.  “Internet Essentials is helping them to continue the learning process and practice crucial digital literacy skills at home through access to the Internet and its wealth of educational resources online, and I applaud Comcast for bringing such a valuable program to our community.”
Families signed up for Internet Essentials also receive one voucher to buy a computer for $149.99 and access to free digital literacy training.