Comcast (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) said it plans to conduct a pilot program for low-income senior citizens in San Francisco as part of Internet Essentials, the nation´s largest and most comprehensive high-speed Internet adoption program for low-income Americans.
Now entering its fifth year, Internet Essentials has connected more than 280,000 low-income Californians to online access at home, of which nearly 90,000 live in the Greater Bay Area. California now ranks first in the nation for Internet Essentials adoption, with the program reaching more than 23 percent of its estimated eligible population.
Since 2011, Comcast has made more than 25 key enhancements to the program. Earlier this month, the company announced it is doubling the service´s download Internet speed to up to 10 Mbps downstream and providing a Wi-Fi router for no additional cost. Customers will be able to power multiple devices simultaneously and connect any Internet-enabled device, which could help save money on wireless bills.
Internet Essentials is an Internet adoption program. It provides low-cost high-speed Internet service for USD9.95 a month plus tax; the option to purchase an Internet-ready computer for under USD150; and multiple options to access free digital literacy training in print, online and in-person. Eligible families must have at least one child eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program, including public, parochial, private, charter, and homeschooled students.
Comcast is a global media and technology company with two primary businesses, Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal.
