As families throughout the Greater Philadelphia Area prepare for the start of a new school year, having reliable and affordable Internet is important – whether at home or through community resources. Through our recent network expansions as well as Project UP, Comcast’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity, here are some of the ways families can connect at little to no cost for back-to-school:
Affordable Internet Options Through ACP and Internet Essentials
Comcast is proud to participate in the Federal Government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible low-income households with a credit of up to $30 per month ($75 per month on Tribal lands) toward their Internet and/or mobile service. Thanks to ACP, eligible Comcast customers can get home Internet through Comcast’s Internet Essentials, which costs $9.95/month, or Internet Essentials Plus, which costs $29.95/month, at no cost once the federal credit is applied. Internet Essentials customers can also add a line of unlimited 5G cellular data ($45) through Xfinity Mobile for as little as $24.95/month after the ACP benefit is applied.
Internet Essentials is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program, launched in 2011. Since inception, Comcast has connected a cumulative total of more than 10 million people from low-income families to low-cost, high-speed Internet at home including more than 2.27 million residents in the tri-state area.
For more information about ACP and to see if you qualify, visit us online or at one of our Xfinity Stores. You can also attend one of our upcoming local ACP awareness events:
- September 9, 1-9 p.m., Montclair Jazz Festival, New Jersey
- September 10, 1-5 p.m., Feria del Barrio festival, Philadelphia
- September 21, 1-4 p.m., The Apartments at Cliveden, Philadelphia
Community Resources Through Comcast Lift Zones and Our Partners
Across Greater Philadelphia, New Jersey and northern Delaware, Comcast works with community partners to support 140 WiFi-connected Lift Zones, which are designed to complement our Internet Essentials program and help connect students, families and community members to the Internet so they can fully participate in educational opportunities and the digital economy.
Working with our network of nonprofit partners and city leaders, Lift Zones provide a free, high-speed WiFi solution in spaces like nonprofits, community centers, gyms, parks and recreation facilities and even small businesses. These locations offer not only free Internet connectivity, but also access to hundreds of hours of educational and digital skills content to help families and site coordinators navigate online learning.
To find a Lift Zone near you, visit our online search tool.
Additionally, Comcast continues to expand its efforts to close the digital divide by partnering with the City of Philadelphia and other community and nonprofit leaders to support PHLConnectED and Digital Navigator programs. Digital Navigators are individuals affiliated with trusted community organizations who are trained to help people access the Internet, use devices and acquire digital skills. Once their training is complete, these digital navigators educate community members in a wide range of digital awareness and literacy skills. Additionally, they help residents learn about affordable Internet options, such ACP. Learn more here.
To learn more about these initiatives under Project UP, visit https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up.
Network Expansions Through the Xfinity 10G Network
Comcast continues to improve and expand its network to deliver reliable, secure and fast connectivity to new and existing customers. In our region, we’ve announced expansions of the Xfinity 10G Network to nearly 4,000 homes and businesses in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh, Chester and Berks counties. We’re also partnering with Maurice River and Hopewell townships in Cumberland County, NJ, to extend our network to their unserved residences and business. These expansions – with more on the way – bring access to Comcast’s full suite of services, including Xfinity residential broadband speeds up to 1.2 gigabits per second and Comcast Business speeds up to 100 Gbps.
Residents and businesses can visit Xfinity.com/MyTown, call 1-800-XFINITY or visit their local Xfinity Store to see if they are eligible for service today.
