Internet Essential's Program Aims to Close the Digital Divide

August 15, 2017 – In 2011 Comcast launched the Internet Essentials program in an effort to close the digital divide between populations of people with low-incomes‘ access to the Internet and the access achieved by populations with more financial resources. David Cohen, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Office in Community Investment, detailed some of the project’s successes and plans in a recent blog post. These include connecting four million low-income families and expanding eligibility since the program’s inception, made possible by partnering with over 9,000 community-based organizations, schools, businesses, and policy-makers. Recognizing internet access as essential to education and school resources, healthcare and information, the Internet Essential's program reaffirms Comcast’s commitment to improving digital literacy, increasing access to computer equipment, and affordable internet options. Our own home state of Georgia has had over 61,000 households connected through the Internet Essentials program. Reflecting on the program’s sixth year, Mr. Cohen and his team will continue working towards closing the digital divide and ensuring internet equality to all.