by Roy Novosel, U.S. Marine Veteran and Vice President of Engineering, Comcast
Our military heroes give so much in service to our country—time away from loved ones, personal sacrifice, and the risks they face on the battlefield to safeguard our freedoms. When they return home, the transition to civilian life comes with its own set of challenges. Reintegrating into society and keeping up with the rapid pace of technology are hurdles many veterans face, especially when it comes to accessing essential services and benefits.
In today’s world, a reliable internet connection and digital skills are no longer optional; they are lifelines. Veterans need these tools to more easily access their hard-earned benefits, explore employment opportunities, and receive critical medical care. Research from the Army University Press shows that our nation’s heroes continue to face obstacles when it comes to digital access and technology. That’s why, at Comcast, we are fully committed to standing with our military community by investing in initiatives that make a real difference.
Recently, we partnered with the Northwest Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (NWPVA) organization in Burien providing their facility with a comprehensive assistive technology makeover. This $65,000 investment in equipment and services is about more than just hardware; it’s about equipping veterans, particularly those with spinal cord injuries or dysfunctions, by giving them access to the tools they need to get on the internet. The revamped facility now serves as a critical resource, offering digital literacy training and access to vital online services, empowering these veterans to lead more independent and connected lives.
This project is part of a broader commitment by Comcast to support our nation’s veterans through our Lift Zones program, which began providing free WiFi to NWPVA in 2020. Lift Zones are part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion dollar commitment to help close the digital divide. The effort provides robust gigabit WiFi to more than 1,250 nonprofit organizations, including YMCA Courtney’s Place Veteran Housing and Salvation Army Veterans & Family Center in Oregon, with free WiFi for students, adults, veterans, and seniors.
Today, the NWPVA facility is equipped with high-speed internet and the specialized tools and spaces veterans need for privacy, communication, and independent use of technology. To ensure the highest level of service, we collaborated with the Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP), experts in providing assistive technology to individuals with disabilities. The partnership ensures that the technology we help provide is tailored to the unique needs of those it serves.
Our support for NWPVA is part of a more significant $275,000 investment this year into organizations across Washington state that are dedicated to bridging the digital divide for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. The contribution includes cash grants and in-kind services/volunteerism to seven organizations that share our mission. We carefully select our partners based on their proven track record in serving the military community and their alignment with our values, including the NW Paralyzed Veterans of America, Operation Military Family, Joint Base Lewis-McChord Hawk Career Center, the Lacey Veterans Hub, The Honor Foundation and the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Veteran Transitional Housing Program.
Comcast’s connection to the military community runs deeper than just our partnerships. Many of our own employees have worn the uniform, including our founder, World War II Navy veteran Ralph Roberts. This personal connection creates a strong sense of camaraderie and understanding within our company. We are proud to be a military-ready company, and we believe it is our duty to help veterans, service members, and military families stay connected through technology.
For military members who are part of our Xfinity family, we offer a suite of benefits tailored specifically to them. Our Xfinity Military Benefits package includes a $15/month discount, which comes in the form of a $180 prepaid gift card and a free Xfinity Mobile line for a year—perfect for staying connected with family and friends wherever duty calls.
We also automatically enroll our military customers in our Xfinity Diamond Rewards program, giving them access to exclusive entertainment, including free Peacock Premium and $1 movie nights. These benefits are our way of saying thank you for your service and ensuring that you can stay connected and entertained, no matter where you are.
Additionally, through our Internet Essentials program, we’re proud to offer a low-cost internet service to military families, plus the option to purchase a heavily-subsidized laptop for just under $150 dollars. This year, we have also expanded the number of choices we offer income constrained households, including Internet Essentials Plus, NOW Internet, and NOW WiFi Pass. We want our military families to feel reassured that they have multiple choices to get online and access the resources they need at a price that fits their family’s needs and budget.
At Comcast, we understand that service to the nation doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. Our military community deserves our continued support, and we are honored to play a part in keeping them connected to the people they love and the resources they need.
To learn more about our military benefits and ongoing support, visit www.Xfinity.com/Military.
