Internet Essentials

Since 2011, Internet Essentials from Comcast – the nation’s largest and most comprehensive private-sector Internet adoption program – has connected a cumulative total of more than 10 million people from low-income families to the Internet at home.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 crisis, many at-risk students found themselves at home without an Internet connection or a laptop to use for distance learning. Since then, the need for more resources to address digital equity and fund Internet adoption programs has accelerated. Over the next 10 years through Project UP – our $1B commitment to address digital equity and help build a world of unlimited possibilities – we'll reach tens of millions of people with access to the resources, skills, and tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.

10 Years — Over the last 10 years, Comcast has connected over 10 million people from low-income families to low-cost, high-speed Internet at home.

$1B — Comcast is committing $1 billion to reach tens of millions of people with the connectivity, skills, training, and resources they need to be ready for anything.

25M hours — We’ve created more than 1,250 WiFi-connected Lift Zones across the country enabling students to complete over 25 million hours of homework and remote learning.

150k laptops — Since 2011, Comcast has either sold or given away 150,000 heavily subsidized computers to families in need.

Download the Progress Report

A man gazing at a woman lying on a couch while she is using a laptop.

Timeline

Addressing the need for digital equity has been a decade-long pursuit. For over 10 years, we have worked closely with our partners to refine the program in meaningful ways and expanded the eligible population numerous times. Together, we are committed to creating and supporting digital equity within the communities we serve.

Recent Initiatives

For over a decade, Internet Essentials from Comcast has addressed the digital divide head on and has grown to become the nation’s largest and most successful broadband adoption effort. The COVID-19 crisis put many students at risk and has only accelerated the need for digital equity programs. In other words, connectivity is more important now than ever. Here’s what we’re doing to help:

Lift Zones

Comcast is partnering with nonprofit partners and city leaders to create safe spaces for students and families to connect to the Internet and learn digital skills, creating more than 1,250 Lift Zones in community centers.

Partnership Program

The Internet Essentials Partnership Program (IEPP) is designed to help accelerate Internet adoption at a critical time. The program provides the opportunity for school districts and other organizations to fund and quickly connect large numbers of students and families to broadband access.

Digital Literacy Training and Curriculum

Beyond connectivity, we work with tens of thousands of partners across the country, including nonprofits and city leaders, to provide digital skills training to young people and to upskilling adults with the aim of improving their economic mobility.