As part of our ongoing commitment to help connect low-income families to the Internet so they can fully participate in educational opportunities and the digital economy, we’re proud to announce our plans to equip more than 30 different locations in Washington with WiFi-connected “Lift Zones” over the next few months. Working with our network of nonprofit partners, we’re bringing robust WiFi coverage at safe spaces in King, Snohomish and Spokane Counties that are expected to help thousands of low-income students get online, participate in distance learning and do their homework.
“The COVID-19 crisis continues to put many low-income students at risk of being left behind, accelerating the need for comprehensive digital equity and Internet adoption programs to support them,” notes Rodrigo Lopez, region senior vice president, Comcast Washington. “We hope these Lift Zones will help those students who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to connect to effective distance learning at home.”
Additional Lift Zones sites are currently under consideration for King, Island, Pierce Snohomish and Spokane counties, with the goal to have all locations installed by early 2021. These Lift Zones will feature free WiFi provided by Comcast, which allows students to work on laptops simultaneously so they can successfully participate in distance learning. This initiative provides free connectivity inside partner community centers for the next three years.
“Washington State is fortunate to have providers such as Comcast who continue to go above and beyond during this challenging time,” said Russ Elliott, Director- Washington State Broadband Office. “Lift Zones are a welcome addition to our state WiFi initiatives and will be a much-needed program during our seasonal challenges. Thank you to Comcast and the Washington Comcast team.”
Lift Zone sites complement Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, which has helped connect more than 8 million low-income people to the Internet at home, including more than 340,000 Washingtonians.