Comcast Offers 6 Months Free Internet for Low-Income Families

Comcast on Monday announced it will offer up to six months of free service for any new eligible family signing up for its basic Internet Essentials broadband service.

The offer is available to families who are approved for Internet Essentials between Aug. 4 and Sept. 20. Internet Essentials, which dates back to 2011, offers broadband service for $9.95 a month plus the option to purchase an Internet-ready computer for less than $150, as well as access to digital literacy training. To take advantage of the offer, families must have at least one child eligible for the National School Lunch Program.

Alongside the free Internet offer, Comcast announced a new amnesty program for certain low-income families who qualify for Internet Essentials but have a past due balance. Previously, Comcast would only accept Internet Essentials families who did not have an outstanding balance with the Comcast, but now, those with an outstanding bill of more than a year old can take advantage of the program. Comcast will forgive that debt and transfer the customer over to Internet Essentials, as long as they meet other eligibility requirements.

"Internet Essentials is about transforming lives and inspiring a new generation of leaders to be digitally ready to access the information and tools all students need to succeed in the 21st century," Comcast Executive Vice President David L. Cohen said in a statement. "By offering six months of free Internet Essentials service, along with an amnesty program, we hope to convince even more families that there is no better school supply than having broadband Internet at home. With it, kids can do their homework and parents can be more connected to their children's teachers and schools."

Comcast said that more than 350,000 families, or about 1.4 million low-income Americans, have taken advantage of the Internet Essentials program. The program is available in 39 states, and the District of Columbia.