Comcast offers low-cost Internet to low-income Illinois families

Judy Masterson
Published: October 26, 2011
Related to: Chicagoland eTeam

Lake County - In an effort to bridge the digital divide, Comcast is offering discounted Internet service, affordable computers and training on how to use them to qualifying low-income families in school districts across the country.

Comcast, which is introducing its new Internet Essentials in Waukegan schools and about 500 other districts in Illinois, said the program will address three of the primary barriers to broadband adoption: a lack of understanding of how the Internet is relevant and useful, the cost of a home computer, and the cost of Internet service.

Eligibility for the program will be based on student qualification for free meals under the National School Lunch program and a lack of a Comcast Internet subscription for the past three months.