Comcast unveils $9.95 internet service for low-income families

As part of the agreement it signed while acquiring NBC Universal earlier this year, Comcast is now providing qualifying households with low-cost internet service.

"Internet Essentials helps level the playing field for low-income families by connecting students online with their teachers and their schools' educational resources," said Comcast Executive Vice President David Cohen.

The new broadband program will enable "parents to receive digital literacy training so they can do things like apply for jobs online or use the Internet to learn more about healthcare and government services available where they live,” he added.

Features
The program, called 'Internet Essentials,' is designed to offer $9.95-a-month internet service and computers to low-income families.

Once enrolled, families can also sign up to get a voucher to buy a budget computer worth $149.99 plus tax. In addition, participants will receive online security protection from Norton Security Suite.

The discounted web access will feature a paltry 1.5 Mbps download speed, and up to 384 Kbps upload, Comcast said, adding that the program will be available in the 39 states it currently serves.

Other features will include not having to pay any activation charges or equipment rental fees, and the cable provider guaranteed no price hike on the $10 monthly fee as long as you qualify for the program.

Once enrolled, families can also sign up to get a voucher to buy a budget computer worth $149.99 plus tax. In addition, participants will receive online security protection from Norton Security Suite.

Eligibility requirements
In order to qualify for the low-cost connection, the families have to meet various criteria, which include:

A household of three reporting an annual income of less than $25,000 would qualify for the program.

One of the children has to be enrolled in the National School Lunch Program.

Households that have not subscribed to Comcast's internet service within the last 90 days will be eligible.

The families must not have any overdue Comcast bills or unreturned equipment.

The new Internet Essentials scheme for low-income families is expected to begin in September at the start of the 2011–2012 school year, and is aiming to keep families enrolled for three years.