African american boy using a computer at night

Comcast Increases Speed and Provides Free Access for Low Income American Customers Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Comcast, an internet service provider that also provides TV service to American consumers, has decided to provide free internet service to low-income customers for 60 days.

When we are at home, a lot of us rely on our phones for internet access. Some people are not prepared to work from home, and with the many school closures, educate our children at home.

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In a recent press release, Comcast announced that speeds will “increase from 15/2 MBPS to 25/3 for all new and existing customers, and will become the speed of the service going forward.” All qualified low-income families have been able to get the Internet Essentials program for $9.95 per month up to now, and that benefit will continue.

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New customers will get 60 days of service free. Unlike most free offers, after the first two free months expire, customers may cancel. There is no contract, credit check, or installation fee. There is a free self-installation kit.

To qualify for the free access, you can apply through the Internet Essentials website.

Related: Spectrum to Provide Free Broadband for Students and Free Wi-Fi Hotspots in Response to Coronavirus Outbreak

If you are eligible for public assistance programs, do not have a recent (less than one-year-old) outstanding debt to Comcast, and you live in an area where Comcast internet service is available (but you haven’t had it in the last 90 days), then you could be eligible for the low-income program.

The program takes effect on Monday, March 16, 2020. For more information, see the press release here.

Do you use Comcast? Is your internet service provider taking steps to combat the effects of the virus on you and your family? Let’s discuss in the comments.