According to a study by the Pew Research Center - 70% of American families have broadband (internet) service at home. But there is a divide - as only 40% of those families whose income is below $35,000 have internet service of any kind at home.
This speaks to what you may have heard of in the past as the 'Digital Divide'. Comcast is putting a foot forward to do something to mitigate this division between the technological have's and have-not's.
Comcast just announced a new plan called Internet Essentials designed to bring the power of the Internet to more students and families across the country, with a low-cost monthly fast internet service, and even a Netbook style computer for a reduced price.
From the Comcast Internet Essential website... "While participating in Internet Essentials, customers receive:
- Fast home Internet for just $9.95 a month + tax
- No price increases, no activation fees and no equipment rental fees
- A computer available at initial enrollment for just $149.99 + tax
- Access to free Internet training - on-line, in print and in person
To qualify for the $9.95 a month Internet service (and a low-cost computer) your household must meet all these criteria:
- Be located where Comcast offers Internet service
- Have at least one child receiving free school lunches through the National School Lunch Program
- Have not subscribed to Comcast Internet service within the last 90 days
- Not have an overdue Comcast bill or un-returned equipment
Comcast will continue to accept new customers into Internet Essentials for three full school years, beginning with the 2011-2012 school year.
Further information is available on the Comcast Internet Essentials website.
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