Connecting Communities: Comcast Partnership Aims to Close the Digital Divide Across Greater Memphis Area

Local events raise awareness about the Affordable Connectivity Program

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – OCTOBER 20, 2023 – Comcast today announced it is partnering with Locust Community Solutions and local Memphis community partners to raise awareness about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), create free Internet enrollment opportunities, and close the digital divide across the greater Memphis area. 

“Comcast has been a leading voice for closing the broadband gap, which is why we continue to make significant investments to connect more families in Tennessee,” said Jason Gumbs, Region SVP for Comcast. “We recognize that cost remains one of the primary barriers to broadband adoption. Comcast has engaged Locust Community Solutions and other terrific partners to raise awareness of ACP among Memphians and get them connected.”

ACP is a federal program that provides eligible customers up to a $30 per month credit toward their internet and mobile services for the duration of the program. Comcast has made ACP available for all speed tiers of Xfinity Internet service including Internet Essentials. Additionally, Xfinity internet customers participating in ACP can add mobile service through Xfinity Mobile.

Comcast’s partners have begun hosting a series of community events to assist with sign-ups for free and affordable internet options. Comcast is hosting 100 events this fall. Details for the next several events can be found at https://south.comcast.com/2023/10/19/acpmemphis/. Trained Comcast representatives will be onsite assisting with ACP and Internet Essentials applications.

Memphis Xfinity stores are also assisting with sign-ups for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and Internet Essentials.

Since 2011, Comcast’s Broadband Adoption program, Internet Essentials, has connected 332,000 individuals in Memphis and 784,000 in Tennessee to affordable internet.

Comcast believes in the power of working with community organizations to help bring change to a community. To fill any remaining digital gaps, Comcast created five Lift Zones, which are Wi-Fi-connected safe spaces, in Memphis. School children can get online at Lift Zones to do homework and distance learn. Adults can build their digital skills, search for jobs and access important information. Comcast currently has Lift Zone partnerships with Alpha Omega Veterans Services Inc., Girls Inc. and the YWCA, and is looking to establish more in the Memphis area.

Internet Essentials

Internet Essentials is Comcast’s low-cost broadband adoption program for low-income households with grammar, high school, and college students; seniors; veterans; people with disabilities; and residents enrolled in public assistance and housing assistance programs. Since its launch in 2011, Internet Essentials has connected a cumulative total of 10 million Americans to the Internet at home.

Xfinity Mobile

Comcast’s Xfinity Mobile service, which includes 5G, is now available to customers enrolled in ACP, giving them the ability to save money on their connectivity needs. Internet Essentials customers can use their $30/month ACP discount to pay for both Xfinity Internet and Xfinity Mobile services. For example, an Internet Essentials customer (paying $9.95/month) can add one line of Unlimited on Xfinity Mobile ($45/month) for $24.95/month after applying the ACP discount.

Signing up for ACP

New and existing Xfinity Internet or Internet Essentials customers can visit www.xfinity.com/acp or call 844-389-4681 for more information, to determine eligibility, and sign up.

Customers can also call to speak to a dedicated ACP Enrollment and Support Center Specialist that is available from 8 a.m. to midnight daily, with multi-lingual capabilities to assist anyone interested in the program.

Project UP and Comcast’s $1 Billion Commitment to Advance Digital Equity

Connecting more people to the internet and the technology they need to participate and excel in an increasingly digital world has been a core focus for Comcast. Looking toward the next ten years, Comcast is building on that foundation and expanding its impact through Project UP, a comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. Backed by a $1 billion commitment to reach tens of millions of people, Project UP encompasses the programs and community partnerships across Comcast, NBCUniversal, and Sky that connect people to the internet, advance economic mobility and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators. For more information on Project UP and the latest news on efforts to address digital inequities  visit https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up.

About Internet Essentials

Internet Essentials is Comcast’s signature digital equity initiative and the nation’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program. Since 2011, it has helped connect 10 million low-income Americans to broadband Internet at home, most for the very first time. Internet Essentials has a comprehensive design that addresses each of the three major barriers to broadband adoption. This includes: multiple options to access free digital literacy training in print, online, and in person; the option to purchase a heavily subsidized, low-cost Internet-ready computer; and low-cost, high-speed Internet service for $9.95 a month, plus tax. The program is structured as a partnership between Comcast and tens of thousands of school districts, libraries, elected officials, and nonprofit community partners. Comcast has never raised the price of the program. For more information about Internet Essentials and Comcast’s commitment to education and digital equity, please visit https://corporate.comcast.com/education. To apply, visit www.internetessentials.com or call 1-855-846-8376 for English or 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences.

About Locust Community Solutions

Locust Community Solutions is a subsidiary of Locust Street Group (LSG), a global impact agency.  LSG partners with clients to grow, evolve, and protect their brands and their impact in the communities they serve.  Locust Community Solutions is focused on harnessing and amplifying the voices of people to create impact. We mobilize stakeholders, community leaders and influencers to build community partnerships and connect with potential customers. Our approach to community marketing drives results and delivers impact. 

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