Comcast has announced that more than 3,000 households or 12,000 individuals in Delaware are now covered by the company’s Internet Essentials program.
According to a five-year report from the cable and programming company, the program has helped connect 750,000 families, or 3 million low-income Americans, to low-cost, high-speed Internet service at home.
Serving as spokesperson for the program is Olympic Medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee, who was recently named the national spokesperson for Internet Essentials.
The company also announced more than $2 million in grants to community-based organizations that provide vital digital literacy training and Internet access.
“I’ve dedicated my life to inspiring young people to have the confidence to succeed in both academics and athletics,” said Joyner-Kersee.
“At my foundation’s community center in East St. Louis, I’ve seen first-hand the kids who grow up without internet service at home and the impact it has on their futures. I’m proud to represent Internet Essentials and help close the digital divide, so every child can have the chance to develop to their fullest potential and reach their dreams.”
The progress report comes after a recent announcement by Comcast to expand the program’s eligibility to households receiving HUD-housing assistance, including public housing, Housing Choice Voucher, and Multifamily programs.
In total, there are up to 2 million HUD-assisted homes in Comcast’s service area across the country, which, according to HUD, account for approximately 40 percent of all its households. The announcement means more individuals, including seniors, veterans, and adults without children, are now eligible to apply to the program.
In addition to the 3 million connections delivered since its inception, the report shows that Comcast has invested more than $300 million in cash and in-kind support to help fund digital literacy training and educational initiatives, reaching nearly 4.4 million people through national and local nonprofit community partners.
The report also notes that, since the launch of the program, Comcast has distributed 54,000 subsidized computers and partnered with more than 9,000 community partners, including schools and school districts, community-based organizations, elected officials, and businesses who understand the importance of bringing the Internet home.
