Stay Connected!
Internet providers pledge access to support businesses and residents during the COVID-19 emergency
With an increasing number of school closures and families staying home to protect against COVID-19, several internet providers in Connecticut are stepping up to ensure that families have the access they need to conduct business and complete schoolwork.
As part of the Federal Communication Commission’s Keep Americans Connected Pledge launched on March 12, eight internet service providers in Connecticut have committed to not terminating business or residential service, or charging late fees for anyone who can’t pay their bill due to hardship caused by COVID-19. They also have committed to provide Wi-Fi hot spots to any American that needs them. These pledge commitments will be in place for at least a 60-day period.
Connecticut providers that have signed the pledge include Comcast, Frontier, Altice (Optimum), Charter (Spectrum), Cox, Atlantic, Verizon, and AT&T.
In addition to signing the pledge, several companies are providing additional resources. Some of these include:
- Comcast announced a plan to ensure low-income families have internet access that will be effective as of March 16. The benefits include 60 days of free service for new Comcast customers, and higher internet speeds for all qualifying customers. Families can check their eligibility and learn more about available programs at internetessentials.com.
- Altice and Charter are offering 60 days of free broadband to households with K-12 and college students who have been impacted by COVID-19 and not already subscribers to their services with no installation fees.
- AT&T is waiving home internet data caps during the entire COVID-19 outbreak.
Businesses and families in Connecticut that need assistance are encouraged to contact their service provider to see what programs they may have available to be supportive during this time.
Comcast Announces Comprehensive Covid-19 Response To Help Keep Americans Connected To The Internet
Comcast has made this announcement & is a great opportunity for low-income households:
“As our country continues to manage the COVID-19 emergency, we recognize that our company plays an important role in helping our customers stay connected – to their families, their workplaces, their schools, and the latest information about the virus – through the Internet.
We also know that for millions of low-income Americans who don’t have Internet service at home, this uncertain time is going to be even more difficult to manage. As schools and businesses close and families are encouraged, or even mandated, to stay home, Internet connectivity becomes even more important.
We recently announced that we’re expanding access to and increasing speeds for our Internet Essentials customers as more students and families start to learn and work at home. And as ambassadors and digital inclusion advocates, we need your help to spread the word about this announcement with your networks, including local schools and school districts – see attached flyer promoting this initiative. In addition to the Internet Essentials announcement, we’ve also taken additional steps to help ensure people stay connected – see attached press release.”
You can learn more about their announcement
Read the one page English & Spanish Comcast-flyer-free-low-income
Read their Comcast-Press-Release-Free-Internet