Memphis Digital Equity Event with Mayor Jim Strickland Commemorates 10th Anniversary of Comcast’s Internet Essentials Program

Comcast Provides Grants and 500 Laptops to Memphis Students and Non-Profits

Company Pledges to Donate $500,000 Over Three Years to Help Close the Digital Divide

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Nov. 30, 2021 – Comcast today hosted a community celebration with Mayor Jim Strickland in Memphis to promote digital equity. The event is in conjunction with the 10^th anniversary of Internet Essentials, 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 more than 10 million Americans to the Internet at home – including more than 200,000 in Memphis and 500,000 in Tennessee.

During the ceremony, Comcast announced new steps to help advance digital equity for even more students and families, with a commitment to connecting 3,000 Memphis area families over the next three years. In addition, Comcast delivered 500 laptops and donated $170,000 in funds to Memphis community-based organizations to support digital skills training and related activities designed to close the digital divide. The company also pledged to donate over $500,000 worth of Internet service and equipment to non-profits and low-income students and adults in Memphis over the next three years. Comcast has already invested an additional $500,000 in Memphis to support digital equity since 2016.

“Comcast’s commitment today and support over the years has had an enormous impact,” said Mayor Jim Strickland. “Comcast has connected thousands of Memphis residents to the Internet and has helped our Memphis non-profits deliver on their missions of supporting our local communities.”

“Advancing digital equity and closing the digital divide are top priorities for Comcast,” said Comcast Regional SVP Jason Gumbs. “We are proud to have the support of Mayor Strickland and our community partners in Memphis as we continue to address digital inequities and connect as many Memphians to the Internet as possible.”

Comcast is committed to supporting organizations actively engaged in providing digital skills training programs and bridging the digital divide. Recipients of the Comcast donations today include:

• Mayor’s Office of Youth Services (200 Laptops – $10,000)
• ProGeny Place (100 Laptops – $5,000)
• NAACP Memphis Youth Council/ACT-SO (100 Laptops/ $10,000)
• Girls Inc. of Memphis (100 Laptops/ $40,000)

Today’s announcement by Comcast is part of Project UP, a comprehensive initiative aimed at advancing digital equity in Memphis and across the nation.