In response to coronavirus, Comcast offers 2 months of free Internet to low-income customers

Comcast is offering two free months of Internet services to low-income customers, citing the importance of being connected during the coronavirus pandemic.

"As schools and businesses close and families are encouraged, or even mandated, to stay home, Internet connectivity becomes even more important," said a news release from Dana Strong, Comcast president of consumer services.

Comcast's Internet Essentials program, normally available to qualified low-income customers for $9.95 per month will be offered free for 60 days to new customers, the company said.

Customers are eligible to receive Internet Essentials if they are eligible for public assistance programs such as the National School Lunch program, Medicaid or SNAP and live in a Comcast service area.

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Comcast said it also is increasing Internet speeds for the service from 15/2 Mbps to 25/3 Mbps. Existing customers will automatically receive the increased speeds, which will be rolled out nationally over the next few days.

New customers will be sent a free self-install kit that includes a cable modem with a WiFi router. There will be no term contract or credit check and no shipping fee, the company said. To sign up for the service, visit the Internet Essentials website or call 1-855-846-8376 for English speakers and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.

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