Comcast Expands Digital Equity Efforts to Recognize National Veterans and Military Families Month
November 30 2021 - 10:05AM
Business Wire
Announces Plans to Install Free WiFi in Up to
100 Veteran-Serving Organizations Nationwide
To help recognize National Veterans and Military Families Month,
Comcast today announced it would install free WiFi in up to 100
veteran-focused facilities as part of its expanding Lift Zones
program. Lift Zones provide free WiFi access outside the home in
neighborhood community centers. They complement Comcast’s Internet
Essentials program, which provides low-cost broadband to eligible
consumers, including veterans, inside the home. Both efforts are
part of Project UP, Comcast’s comprehensive, ten year, $1 billion
commitment to help build a future of unlimited possibilities.
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Data around digital equity and veterans is clear. In 2020, the
Department of Veterans Affairs experienced a 1000% increase in
telehealth video appointments due to the pandemic, an example of
the importance of the Internet for veterans to access benefits,
education and career opportunities, and social connections. (Office
of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs).
“The Internet is a fundamental tool to participate in today’s
increasingly digital economy,” said Carol Eggert, Senior Vice
President of Military and Veteran Affairs at Comcast NBCUniversal.
“Today’s announcement will provide even more Internet access for
veterans and military families. Doing so will enable them to
participate in workforce development programs, access their
well-deserved healthcare benefits, and foster meaningful
connections with friends, family, and their fellow veterans.”
Up to 100 Additional Lift Zones for Veterans:
Comcast has already installed nearly 25 Lift Zones inside
veteran-serving organizations and it will continue over the next
several months to work with members of the military community to
identify additional locations. Examples of three organizations that
will be installed with free WiFi include:
- Veterans Leadership Program, Pittsburgh, PA – From housing to
career development to wellness and supportive services, VLP
empowers veterans reach their fullest potential. VLP has made an
impact on 6,500 veterans annually in 30 counties across
Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio.
- Do Good Multnomah, Portland, OR – DGM provides permanent,
supportive housing and low-barrier emergency shelter to houseless
veterans. They also provide one-on-one engagement and supportive
services for veterans in need.
- Alpha Omega Veterans Services, Inc., Memphis, TN – AOVS helps
military veterans reintegrate into society, often after achieving
recovery and rehabilitation from debilitating mental and physical
conditions.
“As we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic,
having access to the Internet to take advantage of career
development searches and support services has grown increasingly
important for not only the veteran in need, but their families as
well,” said Toshua Jarret, Chief Development Officer of Veterans
Leadership Program. “We are proud to partner with Comcast through
this Lift Zone to help provide the tools needed to help the veteran
community succeed during this difficult time and beyond.”
“Especially in the era of COVID, having access to the Internet
is crucial for receiving mental health and primary care, recovery
support, and a variety of other services that help someone thrive
in housing,” said Jess Gibly, Director of Permanent Supportive
Housing for Do Good Multnomah. “These Lift Zones give our Veterans
in Permanent Supportive Housing, many of whom cannot afford
Internet themselves, the chance to get their wellness needs met and
participate in online communities that have given people much
needed support and connection during COVID.”
Project UP and 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 a core focus for the company.
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 and the latest news on efforts to address digital
inequities visit
https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up.
About Internet
Essentials
Internet Essentials is Comcast’s signature digital equity
initiative and the nation’s largest and most comprehensive
broadband adoption program. In 10 years, it has helped connect 10
million low-income Americans to broadband Internet at home, most
for the very first time. Internet Essentials has a comprehensive
design that addresses each of the three major barriers to broadband
adoption. This includes: multiple options to access free digital
literacy training in print, online, and in person; the option to
purchase a heavily subsidized, low-cost Internet-ready computer;
and low-cost, high-speed Internet service for $9.95 a month, plus
tax. The program is structured as a partnership between Comcast and
tens of thousands of school districts, libraries, elected
officials, and nonprofit community partners. Comcast has never
raised the price of the program. For more information about
Internet Essentials and Comcast’s commitment to education and
digital equity, please visit
https://corporate.comcast.com/education. To apply, visit
www.internetessentials.com or call 1-855-846-8376 for English or
1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.
About Comcast
Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and
technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We
are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming
with over 57 million customer relationships across the United
States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video
through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create,
distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news
through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio
Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks,
Peacock, NBC News, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and
provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the
United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more
information.
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Media: Charlie Douglas charlie_douglas@comcast.com (215)
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