Comcast today committed to investing $1 billion over the next 10 years to help shrink the digital divide and enable more low-income Americans to access broadband services.
Lack of broadband access for seniors became evident during the pandemic, while the digital divide continued to impact students and rural communities.
Comcast said that its efforts and those of its partners has resulted in connecting more than 10 million people in America to broadband Internet at home in the last decade.
The newly announced commitment will include:
- Additional support for the company’s ongoing Lift Zone initiative, which establishes Wi-Fi-connected safe spaces in 1,000+ community centers nationwide for students and adults by the end of 2021
- New laptop and computer donations
- Grants for nonprofit community organizations to create opportunities for low-income Americans, particularly in media, arts, technology, and entrepreneurship
- Continued investment in the company’s Internet Essentials program
Comcast estimates these new commitments will impact as many as 50 million Americans over the next 10 years.
“Ten years is a remarkable milestone, signifying an extraordinary amount of work and collaboration with our incredible community partners across the country,” said Dave Watson, CEO of Comcast Cable, in a prepared statement about Comcast digital divide efforts. “Together, we have been able to connect millions of people to the power of the Internet at home, and to the endless opportunity, education, growth, and discovery it provides. Today, we are rededicating ourselves to this mission to ensure that the next generation of students in America has the tools, resources, and abilities they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.”
