Connecting Vulnerable Students in Kirkland To Online Learning

The COVID-19 crisis has shined a spotlight on just how vital the internet is to our everyday lives, and the challenges this digital divide can present to the most vulnerable among us. As Washington state’s largest provider of high-speed internet service, Comcast is in a unique position to connect large numbers of disadvantaged students to the internet from home. That is why Comcast is extending its commitment to help people connect to the Internet during the COVID-19 pandemic as Washington residents continue to stay home while many workplaces and schools operate virtually.

Comcast will continue to provide free Internet service for the first 60 days for new Internet Essentials customers through June 30, 2021. Internet Essentials is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program that provides high-speed Internet service to low-income families and has connected more than four million low-income students since its inception. New customers who sign up before June 30, 2021, will receive 60 days of complimentary service. Comcast will also continue to waive the requirement that customers not have back debt due so more families can apply.

Since 2011, Internet Essentials has connected more than 340,000 low-income individuals in Washington to the Internet, including more than 3,200 residents in Kirkland, and over 132,000 people across King County. During that period, the program has grown from focusing on bridging the “homework gap” for school-age children to being deeply invested in providing digital equity.

The program, which offers low-cost, high-speed Internet service for $9.95 a month plus tax, also provides multiple options to access free digital skills training in print, online, and in person. In addition, customers have the option to purchase a low-cost Internet-ready computer. Applicants can go to: www.internetessentials.com using any web-connected device, including mobile phones. The accessible website also includes the option to video chat with customer service agents in American Sign Language. In addition, there are two dedicated phone numbers 1-855-846-8376 for English and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.