Comcast in Philadelphia is offering free and discounted Internet options through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP provides eligible low-income households a credit up to $30 a month toward the cost of Internet service ($75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands). Customers who qualify can apply ACP credits to any tier of Xfinity Internet, including Internet Essentials.
Comcast has also partnered with the City of Philadelphia on PHLConnectED, the City’s initiative to provide free and reliable Internet access for pre-K–12 students. Eligible student households receive Internet Essentials service at no cost to them.
“As the world becomes more digital, it is crucial that everyone has the resources and opportunities they need to excel in today’s economy,” said Dennis Mathew, Senior Vice President, Comcast Freedom Region. “The Affordable Connectivity Program is a once in a lifetime opportunity that Comcast is proud to offer to any of our customers who qualify so they can get connected and stay connected to the Internet.”
Comcast recently introduced two new ways for customers to benefit from the ACP:
Internet Essentials Plus
Internet Essentials Plus is a new tier of service for Comcast’s hallmark digital equity program that is available in all Comcast service areas to any customer who qualifies. It offers twice the download speed – up to 100 Mbps – of the traditional Internet Essentials service, which has a 50 Mbps download speed. Internet Essentials Plus is available for $29.95/month to new customers who qualify. Existing Internet Essentials customers can upgrade to this new, faster tier at any time. Customers who subscribe to Internet Essentials Plus and enroll in ACP will effectively get broadband for free after the $30/month government discount is applied.
Xfinity Mobile
Comcast’s top-rated Xfinity Mobile service, which includes 5G, is now available to customers enrolled in ACP, giving them the ability to save money on their connectivity needs inside and out of the home. Internet Essentials customers can use their $30/month ACP discount to pay for both Xfinity Internet and Xfinity Mobile service. For example, an Internet Essentials customer (paying $9.95/month) can add one line of Unlimited on Xfinity Mobile ($45/month) for $24.95/month after applying the ACP discount.
Xfinity Mobile has no line access or activation fees and comes with unlimited talk and text, so customers only pay for cellular data. Customers can mix and match between two straightforward plans on Xfinity Mobile with 5G included, Unlimited or By the Gig, and pair these mobile plans with any tier of Internet service to provide ultimate flexibility. They can also switch back and forth between Unlimited and By the Gig mobile plans at any time. In addition, Xfinity Mobile devices automatically connect to millions of Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country to reduce customers’ dependence on cellular and save money.
Sign up for ACP
Eligible households that enroll in the program can receive $30/month toward their Internet and mobile service ($75/month on Tribal lands). New and existing Xfinity Internet or Internet Essentials customers can click here or call 844-389-4681 for more information, to determine eligibility, and sign up.
Sign up for PHLConnectED
For more information about PHLConnectED, click here. Families can continue to sign up for PHLConnectED by dialing 2-1-1. For language services, press 8. As the program’s Coordinating Agent, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey manages the 2-1-1 hotline, as well as community-based outreach and the Digital Navigator program.
Bridging the Digital Divide in Philadelphia
In 2021, Comcast announced new steps to help advance digital equity for students and families, with a commitment to connecting families over the next three years.
In addition, Comcast is a founding financial supporter and partner of PHLConnectED and also delivered 1,800 laptops and donated $780,000 in funds to Philadelphia community-based organizations to support digital skills training and related activities designed to close the digital divide.
These donations are part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to reach tens of millions of people over the next 10 years with the tools, resources, and skills needed to succeed in a digital world. For more information about Comcast’s comprehensive connectivity program for low-income Americans, click here.
