Monday, August 17, 2020

Back-to-School with Comcast Internet Essentials

Disclosure: This post is in partnership with Comcast New England. #ad

Image via Comcast

After a local staycation, my family like many around the country are now turning our attention towards the start of the school year under the continuation of distance learning. This means that technological inequities brought up in the spring remain to be of concern for many families. Thankfully Comcast's new Internet Essentials program is bringing high speed Internet access to families in need including 60 days of free service for new Internet Essentials customers through the end of 2020.

Learn more about Internet Essentials and how to apply...

Through public-private partnerships Comcast is able to bring service to more families in need. As a family of 4 in Boston I've witnessed the strain when there are multiple household family members needing reliable Internet access across multiple devices.

“We’ve seen firsthand that low-cost Internet access is an important part of improving digital equity and creating positive opportunities for low-income students and families,” said Dana Strong, President of Xfinity Consumer Services. “Through this new partnership program, we are accelerating the efforts of cities, schools, philanthropies, nonprofits, and private citizens to collaborate and open the doors of Internet access for more families in need."

With Nia starting 5th grade and Grayson starting 1st grade making sure my kids are ready for continued remote learning is priority and I appreciate that Internet Essentials brings low-cost, high-speed Internet service for only $9.95 a month plus tax. Additionally, it provides complimentary access to digital skills, training in print, online, and in person as well as the option to purchase a low-cost Internet-ready computer.

Grayson's first day of distance learning in March

Beyond school assignments, general Internet usage monitoring is provided by Comcast's free xFi platform for parents to connect, protect, and monitor children’s devices and online activities. Making sure my kids are safe online is top priority and I appreciate this complimentary service.

To apply, go to: www.internetessentials.com using any web-connected device, including mobile phones. The accessible website also includes the option to video chat with customer service agents in American Sign Language. In addition, there are two dedicated phone numbers: 1-855-846-8376 for English and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.