Comcast, TDF, Franklin Housing Authority Join Forces To Reduce Digital Divide In Williamson County, Tennessee

TDF Foundation Announces Initiative to Provide Comcast’s Internet Essentials

Service and a Computer to 23 Williamson County Families for Free

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 11, 2015) – Today, the TDF Foundation joined Comcast, Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson, Franklin Mayor Dr. Ken Moore and the United Way of Williamson County at the Franklin Housing Authority to announce plans to provide Internet Essentials service for a year and a computer for free to 23 local families. Launched in Tennessee four years ago by Comcast, the Internet Essentials program helps close the digital divide by providing eligible families low-cost broadband service at home for about $10 a month.

“Access to broadband has a powerful and positive effect on individuals and communities,” said Linda Nickell, Foundation Director, TDF Foundation.  “Through our Broadband Initiative, the TDF Foundation has brought Internet access to more than 4,000 Americans in unserved and underserved communities.  We are proud to partner with Comcast to bring Internet Essentials to even more families in Tennessee.”

“Broadband access at home is critical to helping Tennessee families and children succeed,” said Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson.  “I thank Comcast, its partner organizations and the TDF Foundation for their efforts to provide even more families with access to the Internet.”

Since Internet Essentials began in 2011, Comcast has been working with organizations such as the United Way of Williamson County, the Franklin Housing Authority and the Williamson County School System to distribute materials about the program to area students and families.

“Collaborative partnerships with companies and community partners are the key to bridging and closing the digital divide,” said Franklin Mayor Ken Moore. “This is certainly a moment that we should all celebrate as we think about the impact that these partnerships have had.”