It’s the one-year anniversary of Comcast’s partnership with the City of Philadelphia, along with a coalition of philanthropic and civic leaders, to provide reliable internet through PHLConnectED. To date, the program has enabled more than 18,000 Internet connections, including 11,690 via Internet Essentials. And Comcast is extending these efforts through August 2022 so children who choose remote learning can stay connected to the Internet.
Recently featured in a Philadelphia Inquirer article, which also spotlighted Comcast’s efforts to help level the digital playing field, PHLConnectED is a city initiative that provides free and reliable internet access to pre-K–12 students in need. With students returning to the classroom soon, affordable internet access at home is an essential learning tool that enables them to do research, complete assignments, get homework help, connect with peers, apply to colleges and much more.
Any pre-K–12 family without reliable internet access should dial 2-1-1 to see if they qualify for free internet access through PHLConnectED. For language services, press 8.
Philadelphia residents in need of assistance can contact a Digital Navigator to get help applying for the federal government’s Emergency Broadband Benefit and save $50 per month on their internet bill.
For more on Comcast’s work to address digital inequities with initiatives like Internet Essentials, Lift Zones in Philadelphia and nationwide and a $1 billion investment over the next 10 years, go here.