Member News Archives - Page 4 of 7 - Indiana Cable and Broadband Association

COMCAST RISES TO THE TASK OF SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES

January 5, 2023

Rise Nwi

Comcast realizes that serving the Region means serving an incredibly diverse population. People of all races, ethnicities, and identities call Northwest Indiana home. One of the ways Comcast is helping to support that diversity is through Comcast RISE, which stands for Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment. Comcast RISE is part of Project UP, the company’s comprehensive, $1 billion initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities.

The RISE program was started in 2020 as a way to support the businesses that were statistically hit the hardest by COVID-19. Originally, the program accepted applications from small businesses owned by people of color, but the program expanded in 2021 to include all-women-owned small businesses. A panel of judges reviews the applications, and companies accepted into the RISE program receive practical support to expand their business.

Applications are judged on three main criteria: the completeness of the application, the persuasiveness of the application, and the originality of the application. This helps to ensure that only legitimate applicants with heart and knowledge that just need a bit of a helping hand are selected.

The RISE program has four main areas of support for small businesses to help them not just stay afloat but also grow and expand. RISE awardees receive one or more of the following services: marketing consultation services, a 90-day TV media campaign, creative production services to create a 30-second commercial and a tech makeover featuring a combination of Comcast Business services and computer equipment.

The Comcast RISE Investment Fund is an extension of the program and recently awarded $10,000 grants to small businesses in Chicago, Miami, Oakland, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. areas. These areas were selected because they were hit particularly hard by COVID-19. The most recent round of grants announced in November featured 100 grants distributed throughout each area. The money awarded from this round alone totaled $5 million.

Over its two-year term, RISE has provided over $110 million of support to over 13,000 small businesses throughout the United States. On top of the financial and business support services provided by the RISE program, Comcast has partnered with the entrepreneur-based platform Ureeka to provide ongoing mentorship and resources to help small businesses succeed over the long-term. In addition, the company partnered with tech education and training nonprofit Hopeworks on a Comcast RISE recipient map to encourage consumers to patronize small Comcast RISE businesses in their communities.

Supporting local businesses translates to national success, and everyone benefits when the community they’re a part of flourishes. Additional details about the RISE program in 2023 are forthcoming. To learn more about Comcast’s RISE program, see recipient success stories, or find local businesses that have benefited from the program, visit the initiative’s website at comcastrise.com.

Source: NWI Life

XFINITY INTRODUCES “FREE THIS WEEK”: UNLOCKS ACCESS TO PREMIUM NETWORKS AND STREAMING SERVICES EVERY WEEK OF THE YEAR

January 3, 2023

Xfinityfreeweek 2023

Comcast today announced, “Free This Week,” a new year-long program that will deliver Xfinity customers more value by unlocking a new selection of free content each week from top streaming services and premium networks, no strings attached. “Free This Week” programming will be available for Xfinity customers and curated into one simple to navigate destination available on X1 and Flex. A selection of “Free This Week” programming will also be available on the Xfinity Stream app and Xumo’s XClass TV.

“Free This Week” comes ten years after Xfinity’s inaugural free content sampling, Watchathon Week, and represents an evolution of the company’s free programming strategy providing customers with something free to watch, every week of the year. New data released by Xfinity shows viewership typically doubles during the time a network or streaming service participates in a content sampling such as “Free This Week.”

“At Xfinity, we strive to deliver the best entertainment experience to our customers and make it easy for them to access all the programming they subscribe to, and also discover new programming that might be of interest to them,” said Sophia Ahmad, EVP and CMO, Comcast Cable. “With Free This Week, we are offering customers a no-strings-attached chance to discover something new every week of the year, building on the great success previously established with events like Watchathon Week and Free TV Week.”

Helping ensure customers start the new year on the right foot, the first two weeks of “Free This Week” will feature free access to top wellness apps such as The Great Courses, Gaia, One Day University, Gaiam TV, Sweat Factor and FitFusion by Jillian Michaels. Future participating networks and streaming services include HBO Max, SHOWTIME®, REVOLT, HISTORY Vault, Lifetime Movie Club and more.

To access “Free This Week” programming and look ahead to what content is going to be unlocked in future weeks, customers can simply say “Free This Week” into their voice remote.

Source: Comcast

Mediacom Offers $60,000 in Scholarships to High School Seniors

November 28, 2022

Online Applications Now Available for Students in all Mediacom Areas

Mediacom Communications is offering $60,000 in scholarship support for high school seniors who plan to obtain further education. The scholarship program is in its 22nd consecutive year and Mediacom’s investment will award $1,000 World Class Scholarships to 60 high school seniors.

Scholarship recipients are given the flexibility to use the financial awards to support post-secondary college costs or vocational training from an accredited institution starting in the fall of 2023. Award selection is based on academic achievement and leadership accomplishments.

Applications for Mediacom’s World Class Scholarships are available online: mediacomworldclass.com. Information recently was sent to all high schools in areas where Mediacom delivers its high-speed internet services. School officials are asked to encourage seniors to submit applications on or before the January 30, 2023 deadline.

“Our company makes it a priority to give back to communities in which we do business, and we believe one of the best ways is to invest in promising young students who will be our future leaders,” said Mediacom Senior Vice President Ed Pardini.

Applicants do not have to be Mediacom customers but must live in areas where Mediacom’s
fiber-rich broadband network delivers Gigabit-speed internet service. Recipients will be selected from the 22 states where Mediacom’s residential customers reside. A complete list of communities in Mediacom service areas is included with the online application. Inquiries may be sent to scholarship@mediacomcc.com.

Spectrum Launches Gigabit Broadband, Mobile, TV and Voice Services in Rural, Previously Unserved Parts of Franklin County, Indiana

October 20, 2022

Network Buildout is Part of Spectrum’s $5 Billion, Multiyear Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) Investment in Rural Broadband

Spectrum today announced the launch of Spectrum Internet, Mobile, TV and Voice services to areas of previously unserved Franklin County, Indiana. When construction is complete, more than 725 Franklin County residents and small businesses will have access to Spectrum services for the first time.

Spectrum’s newly constructed fiber-optic network buildout is part of the company’s approximately $5 billion investment in unserved rural communities, which includes more than $1 billion won in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) RDOF auction. The company’s RDOF expansion will provide broadband access to approximately 1 million customer locations as estimated by the FCC across 24 states in the coming years.

Charter Communications also presented the Franklin County Community Foundation with a $2,500 donation to launch the Spectrum Digital Literacy Scholarship Fund in support of digital literacy training through the foundation’s outreach service to students.

“Through RDOF, Spectrum is making a multiyear investment to extend gigabit broadband networks to unserved communities across America,” said Tom Yates, Vice President, Construction FO Rural Build. “Our commitment is making it possible to deliver the high-value broadband, mobile, TV and voice services now available in Franklin County. We are providing superior connectivity to local residents and small businesses at highly competitive prices, backed by an organization committed to craftsmanship and service.”

Franklin County Economic Development Director John Palmer said the county is a large county with very hilly terrain and low population density adding to the complexity of expanding Charter’s network to rural and unserved parts of the county. He applauds Charter for its efforts to meet the challenges it is facing through the construction process for the betterment of the county.

“As a result of Charter Communications/ Spectrum being awarded large areas of Franklin County in the FCC RDOF reverse auction, we will have improved high speed internet service for many of our citizens that had little hope of those connections,” Palmer said.

The Franklin County Commissioners welcome new broadband access to residents, which opens the door for student and business success in the county.

“We see the installation of high speed internet connections in the county to be a big advantage for our citizens,” said the County Commissioners. “This service is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for the success of our schools and business economy.”

Local residents and business owners should visit spectrumruralexpansion.com to learn more about when their home or business may be able to receive Spectrum services.

Source: Charter Communications

Sparklight® to Open Fall 2022 Applications for Charitable Giving Fund to Support Local Nonprofit Organizations

September 26, 2022

Sparklight®, along with the other Cable One® family of brands, will open fall 2022 applications for the company’s Charitable Giving Fund, which annually awards nearly $250,000 in grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, from October 1, 2022, through October 31, 2022.

Grants will be made available across communities served by Sparklight and the other Cable One family of brands (Fidelity Communications, Hargray, and ValuNet Fiber) and will concentrate support in the following priority areas:

Education and Digital Literacy
Hunger Relief and Food Insecurity
Community Development

Last year the company awarded grants to 60+ nonprofits, including organizations serving the homeless, providing child advocacy, offering senior assistance, and supplying food to those in need, to name a few.

The Charitable Giving Fund is an extension of the company’s existing corporate social responsibility efforts, which include:

Chromebooks for Kids, an initiative in which the company donates Chromebooks to Title I schools across its footprint. To date the company has donated more than 2,600 Chromebooks to help bridge the digital divide in schools that lack funding.
Supporting national organizations dedicated to advancing education and diversity, including the Emma Bowen Foundation and the National Diversity Council.
Supporting the mission of Special Olympics, which provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports, as well as health, arts, and leadership and advocacy programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Planting trees through the Arbor Day Foundation on behalf of customers who switch to paperless billing. By the end of 2022, the company will have planted 120,000 trees in its markets and national forests.
Supporting the mission of Keep America Beautiful in cleaning up and beautifying communities across the U.S.

“We are committed to helping strengthen the cities and towns where we live and work by giving back to the local nonprofits who do so much to support our communities,” said Julie Laulis, President and CEO.

For more information about the Sparklight Charitable Giving Fund, visit www.sparklight.com/charitablegiving.

Spectrum Launches Gigabit Broadband, Mobile, TV and Voice Services in Rural, Previously Unserved Parts of Floyd County, Indiana

August 23, 2022

Spectrum Internet® With Starting Speeds of 300 Mbps Now Available to Nearly 450 Homes and Small Businesses

Network Buildout is Part of Spectrum’s $5 Billion, Multiyear Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) Investment in Rural Broadband

Spectrum today announced the launch of Spectrum Internet, Mobile, TV and Voice services to nearly 450 homes and small businesses in rural and previously unserved parts of Floyd County in Indiana. Spectrum’s newly constructed fiber-optic network buildout in rural Floyd County is part of the company’s approximately $5 billion investment in unserved rural communities, which includes $1.2 billion won in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) RDOF auction. The company’s RDOF expansion will provide broadband access to approximately 1 million customer locations as estimated by the FCC across 24 states in the coming years.

Spectrum Internet Gig, with download speeds of 1 Gbps, is now available throughout the buildout area. Spectrum Internet offers starting speeds of 300 Mbps, with Spectrum Internet Ultra providing download speeds of 500 Mbps. For small and medium-sized businesses, Spectrum Business Internet offers download speeds of 300 Mbps, 600 Mbps and 1 Gbps. Local residents and business owners should visit spectrumruralexpansion.com to learn more about when their home or business may be able to receinve Spectrum services.

“Through RDOF, Spectrum is making a multiyear investment to extend gigabit broadband networks to unserved communities across America,” said Tom Yates, Vice President, Construction FO Rural Build. “Our commitment is making it possible to deliver the high-value broadband, mobile, TV and voice services now available in previously unserved parts of Floyd County. We are providing superior connectivity to local residents and small businesses at highly competitive prices, backed by an organization committed to craftsmanship and service.”

Indiana State Senator Kevin Boehnlein says Charter’s efforts to expand its network to rural and previously unserved parts of Floyd County will be welcome news to those who have been eagerly waiting for broadband service.

“More rural residents across Floyd County will now have high-speed broadband access through Spectrum’s RDOF expansion. This is welcomed news for families that have struggled to work and learn from home, especially over the past two years,” he said.

Source: Charter Communications

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana’s Lake Station Club Receives $10,000 Grant From Comcast To Support Digital Skills Training And Make Technology Upgrade

August 8, 2022

Comcast announced today that it has awarded the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana’s Lake Station Club a $10,000 grant to support digital skills training and new computers and other technology.

“Our mission is to ‘inspire and enable the youth of Northwest Indiana’s communities to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens,’” said Ryan Smiley, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana President & CEO. “What better way to help our members prepare for the future than to give them the tools they need to succeed academically and in their future workplace.”

The grants are part of Project UP, Comcast’s 10-year, $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity. One of Project UP’s centerpieces is Internet Essentials, a low-cost Internet service for low-income families, which has helped 560,000 people in Indiana connect to the Internet at home since it was launched in 2011.

“Through Internet Essentials, Comcast has helped hundreds of thousands of Indiana families get connected to the Internet at home,” said John Crowley, Comcast’s Regional Senior Vice President. “I’m proud that Comcast recognized the impact of the digital divide early on, stepped up and now continues to offer solutions that further our commitment to organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana and the youth the organization serves.”

Crowley also noted a federal government digital equity initiative, called the “Affordable Connectivity Program” (ACP), which provides eligible low-income households a credit up to $30 a month toward the cost of Internet and/or mobile services, including all of Comcast’s Xfinity Internet and Xfinity Mobile plans. The ACP would cover the cost of Internet Essentials or Internet Essentials Plus, making it free for eligible families. For more information, visit www.xfinity.com/acp.

More about Project UP, Comcast’s $1 Billion Commitment to Advance Digital Equity

For over a decade, connecting more people to the Internet and the technology they need to participate and excel in an increasingly digital world has been one of Comcast’s top priorities. Looking toward the next ten years, Comcast is building on that foundation and expanding its impact through Project UP, a comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities.

Backed by a $1 billion commitment to reach 50 million people, Project UP encompasses the programs and community partnerships across Comcast, NBCUniversal and Sky that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers and creators. For more information on Project Up, visit http://corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up.

Next Level Connections Is the Best Solution for Bridging the Digital Divide In Indiana’s Rural Areas

August 3, 2022

State leaders and internet service providers will soon begin signing contracts to build high-speed broadband to 50,000 rural homes and businesses in Indiana as part of the Next Level Connections program. The goal of this program, shared by lawmakers and internet providers, is to ensure that every Hoosier, regardless of location, has access to a high-speed connection. That’s why Indiana is partnering with providers, like Comcast, in an open, transparent, and competitive process in hopes of finally closing the rural digital divide.

Governor Holcomb’s program will spend $270 million, deploying broadband to Hoosier homes and businesses in 83 counties. We live in an increasingly digital world, and an internet connection impacts everything from education and business, to relationships, agriculture and more.
While most Hoosiers have access to high-speed internet, the Next Level Connections program is thoughtfully crafted to drive investment to rural areas that don’t have broadband infrastructure. The program promotes public trust with transparency and accountability through an open bidding and selection process, evaluation criteria, progress reporting, build-out requirements, and deadlines.

As a result of the program, in this third round Comcast will partner with the state to serve over 10,000 addresses and invest nearly $30 million in private capital. The State of Indiana will contribute $13 million in funding towards these projects in 17 Indiana communities. Comcast will begin working immediately on the various steps of this multi-year expansion project, so that we can begin construction and ultimately bring our fast, reliable network to more Hoosiers.

Without a program like Next Level Connections, these projects would not be possible as building broadband infrastructure into rural areas can be financially prohibitive, sometimes costing upwards of $40 thousand per mile. The program helps to address this challenge by leveraging public funds to fill the gaps of private investment and helping ease the financial risk for providers to build additional, more remote, rural areas.

With over 150 applications received, around 75,500 new addresses to be connected, it’s clear that this program is working well. The NLC grant program is the result of several years of hard work by the Indiana Legislature under the leadership of House Utilities Chairman Ed Soliday.

Next Level Connections is already making a difference in helping to coordinate and provide infrastructure for generations of rural Hoosiers. We look forward to continuing our participation in future rounds of this program, and we hope other providers are inspired to serve rural areas that make sense for their business model, so we can meet the noble goal of connecting all Hoosiers in the foreseeable future.

Joni Hart is Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Indiana, Comcast.

Charter Commits $1 Million to 2022 Spectrum Digital Education, Boosting Overall Program Investment to $8 Million

May 17, 2022

Spectrum Grants Fund Broadband Education, Training and Literacy; Organizations and Community Nonprofits Can Apply for Funding June 1 through June 24

STAMFORD, Conn. – Charter Communications, Inc. today announced it will commit an additional $1 million towards the 2022 Spectrum Digital Education grant initiative, bringing its total investment in the six-year-old digital literacy program to $8 million. Nonprofit organizations that offer broadband education, training and technology can apply for support here, beginning Wednesday, June 1 through Friday, June 24, at 5 p.m. ET, and recipients will be announced in the fall.

“As one of the nation’s largest broadband providers, Charter is committed to supporting local programs that promote digital literacy and inclusion, further investing in the communities we serve,” said Rahman Khan, Vice President of Community Impact for Charter. “Through Spectrum Digital Education, thousands of people across our footprint have had the opportunity to learn about the benefits of digital technology and incorporate it into their lives, teaching critical skills that help improve and strengthen the cities and towns where we live and work.”

Spectrum Digital Education Grants Impact Communities Across the Nation

Charter launched Spectrum Digital Education in 2017, recognizing that education and digital literacy are as important as affordability relative to a household’s lack of broadband service. Through February 2022, Spectrum Digital Education grants and in-kind contributions have impacted 99 nonprofit organizations and more than 95,000 people in 22 states and Washington, D.C. Nonprofit grantees have used the funding to provide computers to those without digital access and digital literacy training for older adults. Funding also has been used to help expand nonprofits’ online programs, purchase software to make technology more accessible for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and to combat isolation amongst senior citizens.

Recent nonprofit grantees include Ashbury Community Services, Inc., a Cleveland, Ohio nonprofit which has used Spectrum Digital Education funding to provide educational programs to help seniors enhance their technology skills using digital devices and tools to improve their quality of life. Another grantee, Kramden Institute in Raleigh, NC, recently was awarded funding to provide basic computer training for up to 150 senior citizens giving each participant a refurbished laptop. Charter also gave $45,000 in Spectrum Digital Education funding to two Madison, WI-area nonprofits, Urban League of Greater Madison and 100 Black Men. The grant will help the Urban League expand the digital capacity of its employment programs and provide 100 Black Men technical help towards its goal of connecting 3,000 families to the internet.

To be eligible for a Spectrum Digital Education grant, organizations must serve communities located within Charter’s 41-state service area and have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. More information on how to apply is available here.

Source: Charter Communications

Mediacom Communications Named US Best Managed Company for Second Straight Year

May 9, 2022

Mediacom Communications Corporation is proud to announce it has been selected as a 2022 US Best Managed Company. Sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal, the program recognizes outstanding U.S. private companies and the achievements of their management teams. This marks the second year in a row that Mediacom has earned this distinguished honor.

The 2022 designees are U.S. private companies that have demonstrated excellence in strategic planning and execution, a commitment to their people and fostering a dynamic, resilient culture, as well as strong financials. These companies continued to propel their businesses forward by prioritizing purpose, investing in their workforces, and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion within their organizations.

“On the heels of reaching the historic milestone of 100 consecutive quarters of year-over-year revenue growth, we are incredibly honored to once again be named a US Best Managed Company,” said Rocco B. Commisso, Mediacom’s founder, Chairman and CEO. “Each day, the 4,000 members of the Mediacom Family strive to provide the residents and businesses in the 1,500 communities we serve access to the tools and technology needed to keep pace in today’s global economy. This esteemed recognition would not have been possible without their unwavering dedication to our customers.”

Applicants are evaluated and selected by a panel of external judges focused on assessing hallmarks of excellence in four key areas: strategy, ability to execute, corporate culture and governance/financial performance. They join a global ecosystem of honorees from more than 40 countries recognized by the Best Managed Companies program.

About the Best Managed Companies Program

The Best Managed Companies program is a mark of excellence for private companies. U.S. designees have revenues of at least $250 million. Hundreds of private companies around the world have competed for this designation in a rigorous and independent process that evaluates four key criteria in their management skills and practices — strategy, execution, culture and financials. U.S. program sponsors are Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal. For more information, visit www.usbestmanagedcompanies.com.

Source: Mediacom