TALLHASSEE, Fla. -- U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson is applauding a new private-sector program that aims to bring Internet access to low-income families across Florida and the country.
Nelson joined with Comcast at a Tallahassee middle school on Thursday to announce that the company is offering low-cost Internet service, discounted computers and training to low-income families.
It's called Internet Essentials. The program provides Internet service for less than $10 a month, a computer for $150 and free training.
The Comcast program is designed to help resolve the "digital divide" across the country, in which too many low-income families are left behind in the world of technology. Sen. Nelson says students face a learning handicap if they don't have the Internet at home.
Nelson said some of the money from the federal government's stimulus program helped bring Internet access to rural areas. Now he's glad the private sector is stepping up to help.
"Not only will it be affordable broadband access, but there's also along with it there's going to be the training to make sure kids and their parents get most out of the Internet connection. Now you students have the opportunity to be connected to the world and that's what your Internet connection is."
Comcast estimates 17 million students will be eligible for the low-cost Internet service across the country.
To qualify, at least one child in a family must be eligible to receive a free lunch under the National School Lunch Program. Families also must not have subscribed to Comcast Internet service in the last 90 days or have an overdue Comcast bill.
You can get more information at www.internetessentials.com.
First Coast News