The internet is something that many people see as a vital commodity that should be available to all, in the same way as electricity and running water. However, there are concerns that getting connected can be prohibitively expensive for low-income families, leaving a generation of youngsters divided, based on whether they could get online at home or not. The Internet Essentials Program is one of the Comcast internet plans that are intended to redress the balance. This should help those without the means to pay a high price for web access, to remain connected.

The Internet Essentials Program has fixed monthly prices and any school child that receives free lunches, as part of the National School Lunch Program, could be eligible, because this is the group with which Comcast is partnering for the project. Comcast advertises that when you sign up to this package, you can be sure that there will be no price hikes to the monthly cost. There are also no fees to pay for line activation or equipment rental, which means all of the hidden costs associated with web access are being eliminated.

As well as giving users an affordable route to get online, the people who take advantage of the Internet Essentials Program will receive a voucher that makes them eligible to purchase a modern computer at a price point that is lower than its typical retail value. The final facet of these Comcast internet plans is that participants can get internet training, free of charge, in whatever form they choose. This can include real world workshops, printed pamphlets or online instructions, resulting in the full benefits of the internet.

The features of the Internet Essentials Program address a trio of problems that researchers identified as preventing low-income households from getting online. As well as monthly cost, it was discovered that a lack of basic understanding of the web and even a computer to use in conjunction with a broadband connection, were to blame for the growing digital divide between affluent and poor children.

The latest statistics show that 55 percent of households, where the yearly income is under $30K, do not currently have access to the internet at home. Analysts predict that a further 3,000 places in employment would be found if there is a single percentage point increase in the rate at which high speed broadband is adopted in the U.S. That is why initiatives like the Internet Essentials Program are so important from an economic point of view.

Whilst more and more services becoming available online is good for those with easy access, this can leave the people that lack such connectivity far behind the curve. Cheap online shopping, free educational tools, up to date news outlets, the latest entertainment and many financial services all exist on the internet, but if only a certain proportion of the population can access them, it is clear how this could be perceived as unfair. The internet is becoming a human right, not a privilege, so any steps that go towards making it available to all are to be applauded.

Comcast initially begun offering the Internet Essentials Program to people located within the Chicago area but it has since rolled out the service to anywhere that its cable networks currently cover. You could be connected within a week if you are eligible, so get in touch as soon as possible.

About Author :
Eva K is an expert in internet and has an in depth knowledge about the latest features and updates in this field. She provides informative article to her readers about Comcast internet plans.