Comcast To Invest $1 Billion Over Next Ten Years To Expand Digital Resources To Low-Income Americans

On Wednesday, Comcast announced it would invest $1 billion over the next 10 years to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Internet Essentials program. This investment will go towards helping further close the digital divide and get even more low-income Americans the tools and resources they’ll need in the digital world.

“While the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic placed a spotlight on the digital divide, for the past decade Comcast, in partnership with organizations like the National Urban League, has been leading the effort to close the digital divide, address the homework gap, and ensure low-income communities have the necessary digital skills,” said Marc H. Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League.

The investment will provide additional support for its ongoing Life Zone initiative, which will establish WiFi-connected spaces, servicing 1,000+ community centers for students and adults by the end of 2021. Funds will also go towards new laptop and computer donations; grants for nonprofit community organizations to create opportunities for low-income Americans, particularly in media, technology, and entrepreneurship; and continued investment in the company’s landmark Internet Essentials program.

“Together, we have been able to connect millions of people to the power of the Internet at home, and to the endless opportunity, education, growth, and discovery it provides. Today, we are rededicating ourselves to this mission to ensure that the next generation of students in America has the tools, resources, and abilities they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world,” said Dave Watson, Chief Executive Officer, Comcast Cable.

It’s estimated that these new commitments will impact as many as 50 million Americans over the next ten years. In 2021 alone, Comcast estimates students will be able to complete more than 25 million hours of remote learning lessons to further address the “homework gap” at the hundreds of Lift Zone locations that have already opened or will open soon.