Comcast announced $55,000 in grants supporting six community organizations that are advancing digital opportunity initiatives in Lake, La Porte, and Porter counties. The funding is part of Project UP, the company’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital opportunity and help create a future of unlimited possibilities.

The grants have helped expand access to digital skills training and technology resources for residents in Northwest Indiana. Recipients include:

• Citizens Concerned for the Homeless (Michigan City)
• MAAC Foundation (Valparaiso)
• Opportunity Enterprises (Valparaiso)
• Purdue Extension (Valparaiso)
• Urban League of Northwest Indiana (Gary)
• La Porte Friends of the Library (La Porte)

Several initiatives focus on targeted community needs. Earlier this year, Purdue Extension announced the launch of a Comcast-supported mobile computer lab to provide free digital skills education for adults ages 60 and older in Porter County. The MAAC Foundation has enhanced its digital education program for first responders, equipping firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical service professionals with critical technology skills.

“With Comcast’s support, we have been able to grow our Digital Skills Education programming,” said Gina Avila, Community Development Educator in Porter County, Purdue Extension. “The Senior Planet lessons provide adults 60+ with a safe space to learn and build confidence to live in today’s digital world.”

“Comcast’s continued support has enabled us to expand our digital education programming and invest directly in those who keep our communities safe,” said Nicole Gladstone, CEO of the MAAC Foundation.

Comcast also supported Citizens Concerned for the Homeless with educational tools and digital programming at Grace Learning Center and Sand Castle Shelter, where the company continues to operate a Lift Zone providing free, high-capacity WiFi access.

“Access to technology is essential for individuals working to rebuild stability in their lives,” said Tammy Rosebaum, Operations Director at Citizens Concerned for the Homeless. “Comcast’s support is enabling us to provide digital training and reliable connectivity that helps people gain confidence and build new skills.”

Additional funding will support accessible and adaptable technology for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through Opportunity Enterprises, as well as digital training for aspiring entrepreneurs through the Urban League of Northwest Indiana. Comcast’s support for La Porte Friends of the Library is further expanding access to technology and strengthening digital skills for local residents.

“From helping senior residents build confidence online to ensuring first responders have the latest tools and training needed to thrive, these partnerships are creating meaningful impact in advancing digital opportunity in Northwest Indiana,” said Brian Rockensuess, Comcast’s Executive Director of Government and Community Affairs in Indiana. “In today’s connected world, digital skills are essential at every stage of life.”

Over the past three years, Comcast has made a total of more than $3 million in cash and in-kind contribution to Indiana nonprofits.

Source: Comcast

Expansion part of Comcast’s $634 million network investment in Indiana over the last three years, ongoing partnership with State of Indiana

Together with the Indiana Broadband Office, Comcast announced the completion of construction to connect more than 2,100 new homes and businesses in counties across Central Indiana to high-speed Internet from Xfinity and Comcast Business. Communities in Hendricks, Wayne, Allen and Delaware counties now join 65 million homes and businesses nationwide with access to a network that fuels innovation, productivity, and everyday connection.

Comcast’s multi-million-dollar investment to reach unserved residents and businesses in Hendricks, Wayne, Allen and Delaware counties comes in partnership with the State of Indiana’s broadband grant program, which focuses on improving Internet access and adoption across the state.

“Expanding high-speed Internet access is essential to strengthening Indiana’s economic future and ensuring that every household, from our largest cities to our most rural communities, can fully participate in today’s digital world,” said Matt Ubelhor, Indiana Secretary of Transportation & Infrastructure. “Partnerships between state leaders, local communities, and private-sector innovators like Comcast remain critical to meeting this moment of opportunity.”

Over the past three years alone, Comcast has invested more than $634 million to upgrade its Indiana network and complete new construction to reach thousands of homes and businesses in rural Indiana. Residents and businesses in Bartholomew, Carroll, Fayette, Hamilton, Johnson, Marshall and Morgan counties were also recently connected to Xfinity and Comcast Business products and services as part of Comcast’s partnership with the state.

“Expanding fast, reliable broadband to every Hoosier community remains central to Comcast’s mission in Indiana,” said Joni Hart, Vice President of Government & Community Affairs for Comcast Indiana. “When homes and businesses get connected for the first time, it transforms what they can achieve. This investment opens doors to Comcast’s full suite of Internet, mobile, and entertainment services with both the Xfinity and Comcast Business brands – enabling employers and families to thrive in a digital world.”

Indiana residents can visit Xfinity.com and businesses should visit ComcastBusiness.com to see if services are available in their specific community.

Source: Comcast

Together with the Indiana Broadband Office, Comcast announced the completion of construction of its fiber broadband project in communities across Indiana. More than 4,600 previously unserved and underserved residents and businesses now have access to reliable, high-speed Internet services across nearly 550 miles of fiber.

Comcast’s multi-million-dollar investment in Bartholomew, Carroll, Fayette, Hamilton, Johnson, Marshall and Morgan counties comes in partnership with the State of Indiana’s broadband grant program, which focuses on improving Internet access and adoption across the state.

“Our goal is to ensure that every Indiana resident has access to high-speed, reliable, affordable Internet,” said Matt Ubelhor, Indiana Secretary of Transportation & Infrastructure. “Connecting every corner of Indiana will require policymakers, community leaders, and service providers to work together to meet the growing needs of our residents and businesses – with this latest investment, Comcast continues to help us make that happen.”

Over the past three years alone, Comcast has invested more than $634 million to upgrade its Indiana network and complete new construction to reach thousands of people and businesses in rural Indiana. Residents and businesses in LaPorte and Porter counties were also recently connected as part of Comcast’s partnership with the state.

Comcast plans to continue bringing its next-generation network to more unserved and underserved communities in Indiana through private funding and state and local partnerships, including participating in the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.

“Ensuring all Hoosiers can wield the full power of the Internet continues to be a top priority for Comcast,” said Joni Hart, Vice President of Government & Community Affairs for Comcast Indiana. “There are residents and businesses who will now have access to reliable, high-speed Internet for the first time – this build supercharges their possibilities at work, at school, and at home. The partnership between the Indiana Broadband Office and Comcast continues to be life changing.”

Source: Businesswire

Despite our best efforts to advocate for its continuation, earlier this year, the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has sadly come to an end. The ACP was established by Congress in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has helped 23 million households pay for internet service, including 425,968 Hoosiers. While the loss of ACP is an unfortunate development for families who have not had to worry about the cost of their internet bill, there are affordable alternatives.

As summer is quickly coming to a close, and school children and their families are prepping for a new school year, along with notebooks and pencils, parents understand that internet access is key to ensuring their child’s success. From online classes to research to submitting that final paper, having always-on access to the internet is vital in ensuring students succeed academically. The good news is that Comcast offers Indiana residents low-cost internet to meet families’ online needs for the start of the school year.

Affordable Home Internet

We want families across the state to know that we are listening. We’ve heard your frustrations and challenges with getting home internet that is safe, reliable and with simple pricing. About four-in-ten adults with lower incomes do not have home broadband services (43%) or a desktop or laptop computer (41%) according to a 2021 study by the Pew Research Center. Let me break down your best options to get online at home and in time for the next school year.

• Recently receiving “Best” ratings by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance’s Honor Roll of Low-Cost Plans, for families who need a no-frills low-cost option, Comcast’s Internet Essentials program offers home internet service starting at just $9.95/month. This includes speeds up to 50 Mbps, free equipment, no credit check and no term contract. Residents can also receive speeds up to 100 Mbps with Internet Essentials Plus for $29.95/month. A recent CNN Underscored article outlined how various plans can successfully support a family during the school year with online classes, web browsing, sending emails and streaming. Both plans have received a “Best” rating by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance’s Honor Roll of Low-Cost Plans. To learn if you are eligible for the program, please visit Xfinity.com/internetessentials.

• Earlier this year, we announced our NOW lines of service, where we offer all-in pricing without contracts or credit checks for both home Internet and mobile plans. Offering higher speed tiers without eligibility requirements, NOW Internet costs just $30/month (for 100 Mbps) and $45/month (for 200 Mbps), which can easily be combined with NOW Mobile for as low as $55/month total.

Online Community Centers

If home internet is not an option, Comcast has created 18 “Lift Zones” at community centers throughout Indiana to offer free WiFi access. With more than 1,250 Lift Zone locations nationwide, these active online learning hubs, not only offer free internet access but often classes and other learning opportunities with a Digital Navigator to gain an understanding of online resources. Who are Digital Navigators? Trusted experts affiliated with local nonprofits, educational institutions and governmental organizations, who are trained to help people learn how to get online, use devices and acquire digital skills.

“We’re seeing the impact of the digital divide happen in real time – affordability, access, and gaps in digital skills knowledge affect many of the families who participate in the Financial Stability Alliance and Free Community Tax Service programming,” said Randy Rogers, President & CEO, United Way of South Central Indiana. “Working together with Comcast and the City of Bloomington, investments in our community like laptops and continued affordable internet access can – and will – change the lives of the individuals and families our nonprofit partners serve every day.”

Lift Zones are a critical connection point for those who do not have access to the Internet elsewhere. In fact, four out of 10 Lift Zone users report they would not have Internet access without it, and 56% say that Lift Zones are critical to their success at school, work or managing tasks online.

Here are just a few of our Lift Zone partner organizations that offer digital learning. Click here to find a Lift Zone near you.

• Boys & Girls Club of Indianapolis – LeGore (5228 W. Minnesota Street)
  • Education & Career Development – Power Hour, Career Launch, Money Matters
• CUC Business Development Center (809 Lincoln Way West, South Bend)
• Boys & Girls Club of Fort Wayne (2609 Fairfield Ave., Fort Wayne)
  • Power Hour, Project Blueprint, Career Pathway Center

Having an internet connection is vital in today’s digital age. Between applying for jobs to working remotely to communicating with your doctor – everything happens online. Here in Indiana, we are committed to bridging the digital divide and fostering a future of unlimited possibilities.

Source: Comcast

Source: Comcast

Donation part of Comcast’s ongoing investment in Bloomington; partnership with city officials, community leaders to bridge the digital divide

Today, Comcast and United Way of South Central Indiana announced a donation of 100 laptops to Bloomington residents to help accelerate digital equity efforts in the community.

Laptop recipients include Bloomington families who participate in programming through the city’s Banneker Community Center – including early education and low-cost summer camp programs – and residents working with the Financial Stability Alliance, led by United Way of South Central Indiana.

“Community partnerships with organizations like Comcast and United Way are invaluable to ensuring Bloomington families can succeed in a digital world,” said Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson. “Achieving true digital equity means making long-term investments across all neighborhoods in the city, and we appreciate Comcast’s and United Way’s commitment and track record in helping us on our mission to achieve exactly that.”

In April 2020, the City of Bloomington conducted a Digital Equity survey to assess how residents use internet services. The survey results found a pronounced skills gap for low income and older residents, with 50% of respondents reporting they do not have the skills they need to use the internet effectively and comfortably.

“We’re seeing the impact of the digital divide happen in real time – affordability, access, and gaps in digital skills knowledge affect many of the families who participate in the Financial Stability Alliance and Free Community Tax Service programming,” said Randy Rogers, President & CEO, United Way of South Central Indiana. “Working together with Comcast and the City of Bloomington, investments in our community like laptops and continued affordable internet access can – and will – change the lives of the individuals and families our nonprofit partners serve every day.”

Across Indiana, Comcast is working with state and local officials to invest in communities most in need of fast, reliable broadband service in unserved and underserved areas of the state.

“Increasing digital equity unleashes the potential of high-speed internet within homes and businesses. We’re proud to be a partner in Bloomington’s digital equity journey, and to continue to work with community leaders to provide the latest technology in a way that benefits everyone – not just in the most affluent neighborhoods.”

– Craig D’Agostini, Comcast Vice President, Government & Regulatory Affairs.

This laptop donation is part of Project UP, Comcast’s 10-year, $1 billion commitment to help make digital equity a reality in communities the company serves in Bloomington and across the country. To support Indiana’s digital equity efforts, Comcast offers several programs to increase internet accessibility and skills training opportunities, including:

• The Comcast Internet Essentials program provides low-cost, high-speed broadband service for $9.95 a month to eligible low-income households, connecting more than one million students, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities in Indiana enrolled in a variety of government assistance programs, including the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, the Federal Pell Grant program, SNAP, SSI, WIC, VA Pension and others.
• Comcast operates more than 20 Lift Zones across Indiana, including two in Bloomington: Boys & Girls Clubs of Bloomington Ferguson Crestmont Club and Lincoln Street Club. Lift Zones are robust Wi-Fi hotspots in safe spaces where kids and adults can access free high-speed WiFi, learn digital skills, and participate in remote learning.
• Comcast has made more than $3 million in cash and in-kind donations to community-based organizations in Indiana over the last three years, focusing on initiatives designed to foster digital equity.

Source: Comcast