By Mike Farrell, Multichannel News, 3-24-21
Comcast said Wednesday that it would invest $1 billion over the next ten years in its Internet Essentials program, the high-speed data service targeted at low-income households in its service footprint, to help further narrow the digital divide.
Comcast started Internet Essentials in 2011 and in the past decade has connected a cumulative total of 10 million people to broadband service. In a press release, the company said its $1-billion commitment will include additional support for its Lift Zone initiative, which establishes WiFi-connected safe spaces in more than 1,000 community centers across the country by the end of the year; new laptop and computer donations; grants for nonprofit community organizations to create opportunities for low-income Americans, particularly in media, technology, and entrepreneurship; and continued investment in the company’s landmark Internet Essentials program. » Read More