Released: November 15, 2016

​Low-income consumers have options for affordable internet

Consumer Action and Comcast team up to educate consumers about low-cost broadband plans for low-income households

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San Francisco, CA—We rely on the internet for so much these days, from applying for jobs or establishing a home office to doing schoolwork and banking or paying bills. Many would argue that having a high-speed internet connection at home has become indispensable. However, according to the Pew Research Center, 33 percent of U.S. households currently lack this essential tool.

Since home internet is so fundamental to functioning in today’s world, we need to let those who can’t afford a standard monthly service plan know they still have options for access. This is why Consumer Action and Comcast have partnered to create a free multilingual educational guide, “Getting up to speed: Broadband internet for low-income households.”

The new publication lays out the many benefits of broadband internet and gives an overview of available low-income broadband adoption programs that can help consumers in many parts of the country get online for $10 or less a month. Consumer Action will post the guide (in mobile-friendly and printer-ready PDF formats) in Chinese, English, Korean, Spanish and Vietnamese, and promote its availability to its national network of nearly 7,000 community-based organizations.

The project includes a free packet of companion flyers, in English, with detailed descriptions of specific programs, including Internet Essentials from Comcast, from a range of internet service providers that offer low-income households affordable access to the internet.

“Having access to high-speed internet at home opens up many possibilities and opportunities for individuals and families,” said Ken McEldowney, executive director of Consumer Action. “We’re pleased to have this chance to spread the word that U.S. households do not have to forgo broadband service, and all the advantages that come with it, due to affordability anymore. Comcast has been a strong leader in helping to bridge the digital divide through Internet Essentials and we are excited to work with them in helping to get everyone connected.”

”When households lack access to the internet, they are prevented from participating fully in the 21st century digital community and economy,” said Karima Zedan, senior director of the Internet Essentials program at Comcast. “We are proud to partner with Consumer Action, a leading national organization advocating for consumers of all backgrounds, to release these multilingual materials and help educate consumers about programs like Internet Essentials. Since launching in 2011, Internet Essentials has helped connect 750,000 families, or three million low-income Americans, to low-cost, high-speed internet service at home.”

About Consumer Action

Consumer Action is a non-profit organization that has championed the rights of underrepresented consumers nationwide since 1971. Throughout its history, the organization has dedicated its resources to promoting financial and consumer literacy and advocating for consumer rights in both the media and before lawmakers to promote economic justice for all. With the resources and infrastructure to reach millions of consumers, Consumer Action is one of the most recognized, effective and trusted consumer organizations in the nation.

About Internet Essentials

Internet Essentials from Comcast is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive high-speed internet adoption program. It provides low-cost high-speed internet service for $9.95 a month plus tax; the option to purchase an internet-ready computer for under $150; and multiple options to access free digital literacy training in print, online and in-person. For more information, or to apply for the program, visit www.InternetEssentials.com or call 855-846-8376. Spanish speakers may call 855-765-6995.

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with two primary businesses, Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal. Comcast Cable is one of the nation's largest video, high-speed internet and phone providers to residential customers under the XFINITY brand and also provides these services to businesses. NBCUniversal operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures and Universal Parks and Resorts. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.