We have connected more than six million low-income Americans to the Internet through the Comcast Internet Essentials program, which is the largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program for low-income families in the U.S. Here in Washington state, we have connected more than 260,000 residents through our Internet Essentials program. In fact, the program has experienced noteworthy enrollment in key counties throughout the state, including:
- King County: connected more than 100,000 residents, including significant populations in Seattle, Kent, Federal Way, Auburn, Renton, Lynnwood, and Burien.
- Pierce County: connected nearly 40,000 residents, including significant populations in Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup and Spanaway.
- Snohomish County: connected about 26,000 residents, including significant populations in Everett, Lynnwood and Marysville.
- Spokane County: connected nearly 25,000 residents
- Thurston County: connected more than 7,500 residents, including significant populations in cities like Olympia and Lacey.
- Whatcom County: connected nearly 7,000 residents.
The popularity of our Internet Essentials program is expected to continue throughout Washington thanks to expanded eligibility – for the eleventh time in seven years – to low-income veterans, nearly one million of whom live within the Comcast footprint. According to the United States Census Bureau’s 2016 American Community Survey, less than 70 percent of low-income veterans have Internet access, and about 60 percent own a computer.
“Veterans have stood up for our country, now it’s time for us to stand up for them by providing access to life-changing digital tools and resources through Internet Essentials,” said Amy Lynch, Regional Vice President, Comcast Washington. “We are proud to expand the eligibility of our Internet Essentials program to low-income veterans throughout Washington so they can connect with much needed online resources.”
Internet Essentials is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive high-speed Internet adoption program for low-income households. The program has connected substantially more low-income Americans to the Internet than all other similar programs combined.
Internet Essentials has been designed as a comprehensive, wrap-around program to address each of the major barriers to broadband adoption. It provides low-cost Internet service for $9.95 a month; the option to purchase an Internet-ready computer for less than $150; and access to free digital literacy training in print, online, and in person.
To learn more about the program’s expanded eligibility to nearly one million veterans, seven-year progress report, and more, click here to read the official Comcast Internet Essentials news release.
For more information, or to apply for the program, visit www.InternetEssentials.com or call 1-855-846-8376. Spanish-only speakers should call 1-855-765-6995.