Lift Zone initiative provides safe space where local students and families can access the internet for education and digital skills building
(Savannah, GA): July 26, 2021 – Comcast today announced the opening of its newest Xfinity WiFi-connected Lift Zone at the Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club, located at 510 East Charlton Street in Savannah.
“Comcast’s Lift Zones give our students the wonderful ability to safely connect to critical internet resources, all without interruption or cost,” said Vince Del Monte, Executive Director, Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club. “With this resource, they are fully equipped to continue their virtual education. Digital literacy and access are a necessity for our community, and we are honored to have these services and thank Comcast for their partnership.”
Comcast Lift Zones is a nationwide initiative that establishes free, robust Wi-Fi hotspots in safe spaces within local community centers. Students, families, and other in-need residents who are unable to access the internet from home to manage essential life-based work, health and education needs use Lift Zones to get online, participate in distance learning, do homework, and connect to online education, job searches, healthcare information and other public assistance.
Last October, Comcast announced a multiyear program to launch more than 1,000 Xfinity WiFi-connected Lift Zones in community centers nationwide. This effort is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to help connect low-income families to the internet and provide resources to help them fully participate in educational opportunities and the digital economy.
“Comcast remains committed to bridging the digital divide by providing free, robust WiFi access through the Lift Zones initiative,” said Jason Gumbs, Regional Senior Vice President at Comcast. “We are excited to team with the Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club to offer a safe place where local students and families have access to online educational and life resources that are so critical.”
In nearly 10 years, Internet Essentials has become the nation’s largest and most successful low-income internet adoption program and has connected millions of people. It offers households low-cost, broadband service for $9.95/month, the option to purchase a heavily subsidized computer and multiple options for free digital literacy training. In 2020, Comcast committed to providing 60 days of free Internet Essentials service for qualifying low-income families that are new customers through June 30, 2021. Additionally, the company increased speeds for all new and existing Internet Essentials customers at no additional cost.
