Free, reduced internet available to students

Posted October 2020

By Elizabeth Philbrick

Staff Editor

Internet companies Comcast and Xfinity will provide low-cost and free internet access as students take part in distance learning.

Comcast will be offering a low-cost service, Internet Essentials, available until December 31, 2020. New customers will be eligible for 60 days of free service, but regular rates will apply after the promotion. Customers can choose to have employees install or order a self-install, which should take five to seven days to arrive.

The service will also see a speed increase, which will provide faster internet access. Internet speed will increase from 15/2 MBPS to 25/3 for all new and existing customers; 25/2 MBPS will be the service speed going forward for both new and old customers.

Even if customers cannot pay their bills during this period, they can contact the company for flexible payment option advice. As long as the customer reaches out to Comcast, no disconnections or late fees will be applied. Customers with overdue debt owed to Comcast are also eligible for Internet Essentials.

Xfinity continues to offer the free hotspot, Xfinity WiFi, to families who need it. The hotspot will be available in out-of-home locations, both indoor and outdoor places like shopping districts, parks, businesses, and train stations. Students can also access the hotspot from their home, in case they’re not able to work on school anywhere else.