For over a decade, Comcast has been steadfast in its mission to bridge the digital gap. The pursuit of digital equality lies at the core of our efforts because we understand the transformative power of a dependable home Internet connection in today’s digital-centric world.
Thanks to the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), over 23 million households across the United States, nearly half of which are military families, now have access to online connectivity at minimal or no cost. However, with the ACP’s funding set to expire in April, there’s a looming risk of undoing the strides we’ve made in keeping Americans connected to this vital resource.
As I emphasized in January, it’s imperative for Congress and the White House to extend the ACP, ensuring people can remain connected and leverage the Internet for education, healthcare, employment opportunities, veteran support, and various other essential services. At Comcast, we’re committed to playing our part in this endeavor by:
- Providing Partial ACP Credit: As the ACP winds down, all ACP customers will receive a federally funded credit of $14 ($35 on Tribal lands) on their Xfinity bills for the month of May to ease the transition.
- Offering Internet Essentials: Our steadfast commitment to offering Internet Essentials, our reliable, low-cost high-speed Internet service, remains unwavering at $9.95/month. Despite inflation, this price has remained unchanged since its inception in 2011, with speeds now five times faster at no extra cost. Internet Essentials has connected millions of Americans, becoming the largest and most comprehensive private-sector Internet adoption program in the nation. All current ACP customers can switch to Internet Essentials tiers during this transition.
- Introducing Internet Essentials+: For customers seeking even faster speeds, Internet Essentials Plus provides double the speed, up to 100 Mbps, for $29.95/month.
- Xfinity Mobile Savings: Customers can save on monthly bills by bundling their Internet service with Xfinity Mobile. New Internet Essentials Plus customers qualify for a free line of Xfinity Mobile for one year. Additionally, current ACP customers with Comcast who add Xfinity Mobile can receive an additional free unlimited line for one year, potentially saving them hundreds annually.
- NOW WiFi Pass: Comcast’s NOW WiFi Pass allows individuals and families to access over 23 million Xfinity WiFi hotspots nationwide for $10/month until June 30, with no additional equipment, long-term commitments, or cancellation fees required.
- Lift Zones: Individuals, whether Comcast customers or not, can access one of over 1,250 WiFi-connected Lift Zones across the country, providing free Internet access in locations like nonprofits, community centers, gyms, and parks. Many locations offer Digital Navigators to assist in getting online and acquiring digital skills.
- Internet Essentials Partnership Program (IEPP): IEPP enables school districts and other organizations to fund and connect large numbers of students and families to broadband access at home. Since 2020, IEPP has collaborated with numerous entities nationwide to help connect K-12 students.
- Partnerships and Project UP: Comcast collaborates with thousands of nonprofit partners nationwide to close the digital divide. We invest in organizations that train Digital Navigators and support initiatives fostering economic mobility and opportunities for future generations. This commitment is supported by Project UP, our $1 billion initiative to promote digital equity and cultivate a future of boundless opportunities.
While we currently offer these products and services, we will continue to develop additional packages and options to serve our customers and communities better. Our progress in bridging the digital divide has been significant, and we remain dedicated to ensuring more Americans stay connected, leaving no one behind.
