Comcast announced Tuesday that it would grant California $150,000 for low-cost broadband service to create a continuum of Web connectivity, or "Internet Essentials Learning Zones."
In a press release, the mass media and communications company said that non-profit community organizations in California, which play a significant role in improving broadband technology access, will receive a total of $150,000 to support the creation of Internet Essentials Learning Zones. Fresno will receive $100,000 while Elk Grove will receive $50,000.
The non-profit organizations in Fresno include the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, the Center for Multicultural Cooperation, and the Boys and Girls of Fresno Country. Non-profit organizations in Elk Grove, on the other hand, include Next Ed, the La Familia Counseling Center, and the Boys and Girls Club of Sacramento.
Furthermore, eligible families in Fresno County, San Francisco County, San Joaquin County, and Sacramento County, who are not yet subscribed to Internet Essentials, will receive a complimentary Internet service that could last for six months - provided they have applied and get approved for the program by March 18, 2014.
Eligible families who wish to apply can call 1-855-846-8376 or visit www.InternetEssentials.com. For Spanish, they may call 1-855-765-6995 or visit www.InternetBasico.com.
Aside from the $150,000 grant, Comcast also announced it has extended its national broadband adaptation program indefinitely.
Comcast's Internet Essentials is the nation's leading and most comprehensive broadband adoption program. It offers low-cost broadband services that cost $9.95 monthly including tax. They also offer customers different options, such as an option to buy an Internet-ready computer for less than $150 and an option to access free digital literacy training online, in person, and in print.
It is put up to meet the needs of a certain population, such as low-income families with school-age kids who cannot connect to broadband Internet at home due to insufficient budget.
