Comcast is making it easier for 30,000 low-income veterans across Michigan and 1 million across the nation to get connected to the Internet by expanding eligibility to the company’s Internet Essentials program.
Internet Essentials is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive high-speed Internet adoption program for low-income Americans. It provides low-cost high-speed residential Internet service for $9.95 a month plus tax; the option to purchase an Internet-ready computer for under $150; and multiple options to access free digital literacy training in print, online and in person.
“Access to the internet is no longer a luxury, it is a 21st century necessity,” said Senator Gary Peters (D-MI). “The internet is the tool we use to connect with the world around us, search for new career opportunities, and stay in touch with loved ones. That is why I am pleased that Comcast is extending its Internet Essentials program to thousands of veterans in Michigan. These brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to protect our way of life should have the resources they need to succeed once they return home.”
Comcast has connected more than six million low-income Americans to the Internet through Internet Essentials, including more than 308,000 in Michigan. In the last year alone, the company connected more than two million people to the program nationally, the largest annual increase in its seven-year history.
According to a U.S. Census Bureau 2016 survey, less than 70 percent of low-income veterans have Internet access, and only about 60 percent own a computer.
“The digital divide impacts thousands of local veterans and can hamper their ability to develop the digital skills they need to succeed in today’s job market,” said Steve Ragan, senior vice president for development and external relations with Southwest Solutions. “Comcast's Internet Essentials is especially valuable to the homeless veterans that we serve at Southwest Solutions. Technology like this helps them access benefits and education opportunities, but it's also critical as they re-connect with family and friends.”
Comcast, which recently surpassed its goal of hiring 10,000 veterans from 2015 to 2017, has been consistently recognized for being a top military-friendly employer. The company was selected in 2016 and 2017 as a finalist for the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest recognition given by the Department of Defense to companies for its support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. In addition, the company was recognized by Military Times for the services and support it offers veterans. Moreover, Military Spouse Magazine recognized Comcast NBCUniversal as the #1 Military Spouse Friendly Employer for 2017. And Comcast was the first corporate sponsor of Bunker Labs, a national nonprofit organization for military veteran-led startups which also has a local presence in Detroit. To learn more about Comcast’s support for the military community, visit https://jobs.comcast.com/military [jobs.comcast.com] or @ComcastMilitary on Twitter.
For more information about Internet Essentials or to apply for the program, visit https://internetessentials.com [internetessentials.com] or call 1-855-846-8376. Spanish-only speakers should call 1-855-765-6995.
About Internet Essentials
Internet Essentials [internetessentials.com] from Comcast is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive high-speed Internet adoption program for low-income Americans. It provides low-cost, high-speed Internet service for $9.95 a month plus tax; the option to purchase an Internet-ready computer for under $150; and multiple options to access free digital literacy training in print, online, and in person. For more information, or to apply for the program, go to www.internetessentials.com [internetessentials.com] or call 1-855-846-8376. Spanish-only speakers can call 1-855-765-6995.
About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with two primary businesses, Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal. Comcast Cable is one of the nation’s largest video, high-speed Internet, and phone providers to residential customers under the XFINITY brand, and also provides these services to businesses. It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the XFINITY brand. NBCUniversal operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures and Universal Parks and Resorts. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com [corporate.comcast.com] for more information.
