Cable giant Comcast is fulfilling a mandate to bring affordable broadband to low-income families. The cableco is offering the $10-per-month “Internet Essentials" program to fulfill one of the conditions of its megamerger with NBCUniversal, as required by the FCC requires.
Customers also get a voucher to purchase a netbook for cheap ($150), with wired and Wi-Fi Internet connectivity. "Every computer shipped includes Windows 7 Starter operating system and Internet browser software," the Website says. "Additional productivity software may be included when available."
Families within the MSO’s 39-state footprint that have at least one child enrolled in the National School Lunch Program can qualify, beginning in September. Applicants cannot have had Internet service from Comcast for at least three months before joining the program, and will be disqualified for having overdue Comcast bills or unreturned equipment. The program will run for three years.
Internet Essentials offers speeds that are typical of an average DSL connection: 1.5Mbps downstream, and up to 384Kbps up.
Comcast basic Internet typically goes for $30 per month. The Internet Essentials cuts the cost by two-thirds, and waives all activation costs and equipment rental fees, and the rate is protected from any future rate increases.
