Comcast, Huntsville City Schools And Huntsville Housing Authority Provide Heavily Discounted Internet To More Than 70 Local Families

HUNTSVILLE, AL- October 20, 2014- Comcast, Huntsville City Schools and the Huntsville Housing Authority (HHA) announced a collaborative effort to provide more than 70 local HHA families with ongoing discounted Internet service via a partnership formed through the Comcast Internet Essentials Program.

As part of the agreement, families will receive access to free digital literacy training.  The program also provides complimentary cable modems and Wi-Fi routers for participating families, as well as the option to purchase a sharply discounted computer. The partnership aligns well with the initiatives of the Huntsville City School system, which provides computers and iPads to K-12 students.

“We are excited about this partnership and have been working with the Huntsville Housing Authority to provide this opportunity for our students.  This will allow continuous learning to take place outside of the school day,” said Dr. Casey Wardynski, Superintendent of Huntsville City Schools.

“Technology has changed how our children learn, so we must ensure they have the necessary online access if we are to bridge the digital divide in Huntsville and across Alabama,” said Executive Director/CEO Michael Lundy. “Getting our students and their families connected is one of the most important things we can do, thus leveling the playing field in the classroom and beyond.”

Since its launch in 2011, Internet Essentials has connected more than 350,000 families, or approximately 1.4 million low-income Americans, to the Internet.  The program provides eligible families with low-cost broadband service, the option to purchase an Internet-ready computer for less than $150, and free digital literacy training. Through the partnership with the Huntsville Housing Authority and Huntsville City schools, the participating residents will receive sharply discounted Internet service.

“As a technology leader, we understand the need for students and their families to be connected in the classroom and at home,” said Doug Guthrie, Regional SVP, Comcast. “We are proud to partner with the Huntsville Housing Authority and Huntsville City Schools to ensure that those who need access the most can excel in the classroom and beyond.”

For more information about Internet Essentials visit www.InternetEssentials.com for English and www.InternetBasico.com for Spanish. Educators or third-parties interested in helping to spread the word can find more information at InternetEssentials.com/partner. Parents looking to enroll in the program can call 1-855-846-8376 or, for Spanish,
1-855-765-6995.