Internet Essentials FAQs
What is Internet Essentials?
Internet Essentials helps more students and families get online.
While participating in Internet Essentials, customers receive:
- Fast home Internet for just $9.95 a month + tax
- No price increases, no activation fees and no equipment rental fees
- A computer available at initial enrollment for just $149.99 + tax
- Access to free Internet training - online, in print and in person
Who is eligible for Internet Essentials?
A household is eligible to participate in Internet Essentials if it meets all of the following criteria:
- Is located where Comcast offers Internet service
- Has at least one child receiving free school lunches through the National School Lunch Program
- Has not subscribed to Comcast Internet service within the last 90 days
- Does not have an overdue Comcast bill or unreturned equipment
Where and when will Internet Essentials be available?
Internet Essentials will be available starting in the 2011-12 school year in areas where Comcast offers Internet service.
What should I do if I think I'm eligible for Internet Essentials?
Call 1-855-8-INTERNET (1-855-846-8376) to confirm your eligibility and request an application.
How can I apply for Internet Essentials?
Call 1-855-8-INTERNET (1-855-846-8376) to request an application.
How long will Internet Essentials be available?
Comcast will continue to accept new customers into Internet Essentials for three full school years.
How long can an Internet Essentials customer continue to receive reduced-price Internet service through the program?
Once enrolled, Internet Essentials participants will be able to continue receiving Internet service for $9.95 a month plus tax as long as at least one child in their household continues to receive free lunches under the National School Lunch Program and they do not:
- Close their Comcast account
- Violate Comcast's Customer Agreement for Residential Services
Do families with children receiving reduced-price (as opposed to free) lunches through the National School Lunch Program qualify for Internet Essentials?
No, only those with children receiving free school lunches are eligible.
What should I do if I work with students and families who might benefit from this program?
Please visit InternetEssentials.com/partner and register to access program information, materials and updates on how you can help.
How fast is the home Internet service offered as part of Internet Essentials?
Internet Essentials provides home Internet service with download speeds of up to 1.5 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 384 Kbps.
What type of computer is included with Internet Essentials and what kind of software does it have?
Internet Essentials participants have the opportunity to purchase a netbook-style laptop computer. This computer supports wired and Wi-Fi Internet connectivity. Every computer shipped includes Windows 7 Starter operating system and Internet browser software. Additional productivity software may be included when available.