They frequent outside of churches, perch near restaurants, and wait in-line at libraries, only to capture a WiFi signal to complete their homework, apply for jobs, or gain access to their health care portals.
Who are they? They are our neighbors and friends – low-income Utahans receiving free or reduced lunch through the National School Lunch Program, families and individuals receiving public and HUD-assisted housing who do not have internet in the home.
To help connect low-income Utahans to the high speed internet, Comcast partnered with Utah Non-profit Housing Corporation to host free outdoor movie screenings this summer at low-income apartment complexes throughout Utah Valley communities.
The movie screenings provided a fun way for families to connect, while also providing information on Internet Essentials, a low-cost, high-speed internet service that’s designed to comprehensively address barriers to digital literacy, broadband access, and the cost of a buying a home computer. Our partnership with Comcast has made a huge difference in our digital inclusion initiatives. The Internet Essentials program makes it possible for our residents to access
“Our partnership with Comcast has made a huge difference in our digital inclusion initiatives. The Internet Essentials program makes it possible for our residents to access internet that is affordable for budgets falling into the low, to very low income categories,” said Marci Milligan, Development & Operations, Utah Non-profit Housing Corporation. “Comcast’s summer movie screenings offered a way for the residents to feel at ease, and gain trust with those offering these much needed services.”
Nearly 25 percent of American households, and over 53,000 Utahans – many of which are at or below the poverty line – do not currently have a home broadband subscription.
In Utah, Comcast partners with hundreds of community-based organizations, libraries, school districts, government agencies, and federal, state, and local elected officials to help families cross the digital divide.
The internet is essential; not only to compete in the 21st century economy and succeed academically, but also to stay connected to loved ones and the world.
