Programs and Resources Fueling Digital Equity
and Broadband Adoption Will Be Available to Residents in
Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Fayette and Westmoreland Counties
To Celebrate National Digital Inclusion
Week, Comcast Also Donates a Total of 300 Laptops to
Three Non-Profits
PITTSBURGH, Oct. 5, 2023
/PRNewswire/ -- Comcast and United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania have announced the
expansion of an innovative Digital Navigator Network that will
empower local residents in southwestern
Pennsylvania. Beginning this month, the Digital Navigators
will work at three trusted community organizations – Literacy
Pittsburgh, Goodwill of
Southwestern Pennsylvania and YWCA
of Westmoreland County – to
help residents in Allegheny,
Armstrong, Butler, Fayette and Westmoreland counties learn more about and
sign up for affordable Internet, use devices and acquire digital
skills. A $363,000 grant from
Comcast in support of this program will also help the United Way
expand and sustain the capacity of its PA 211 Southwest 24/7
contact center, which connects individuals and families to health
and human services in the region. The network supports United
Way's goals of helping people meet basic needs, move toward
financial stability and build for success in school and in
life.
To celebrate National Digital Inclusion Week, Comcast also
donated a total of 300 laptops – 100 each – to Literacy Pittsburgh,
Goodwill of Southwestern
Pennsylvania and YWCA of Westmoreland County to support their local
efforts. These initiatives are part of Project UP – Comcast's
$1 billion commitment to advance
digital equity and its longstanding commitment to bridge the
digital divide.
"Connecting to the Internet and having the digital skills to
fully participate have become basic needs. Through the Digital
Navigator Network, United Way is developing a model to ensure that
all individuals in our community have the opportunity to adopt
broadband at home and have access to devices and digital skills to
help them thrive," said Bobbi Watt
Geer, President and CEO of United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania. "Our collaboration
with Comcast and partner agencies already working in the digital
equity space, together with our robust PA 211 Southwest network,
allow us to immediately begin connecting people to the training and
resources needed to get and stay online."
"Digital Navigator programs are powerful tools that allow us to
work together to improve broadband adoption and close the digital
divide across our neighborhoods," said Ray
Roundtree, Senior Vice President, Comcast's Keystone Region.
"We are proud to partner with the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania to support
individuals and families across the region and help them take
advantage of all the Internet has to offer."
Speaking about the importance of the program, Carey Harris, CEO of Literacy Pittsburgh, which
is one of the three Digital Navigator Network partner agencies in
the region, said "Broadband adoption and access to devices and
digital skills training are absolutely essential tools for
participating in the modern economy. Unfortunately, too many of our
neighbors aren't yet aware of the resources available to
them. The Digital Navigator Network is a significant
investment in expanding awareness and providing support for those
who have been left behind and those who have just arrived."
In addition, Comcast is offering exclusive Internet deals and
spreading the word about eligibility for the Federal
Government's Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which
provides qualifying individuals with a credit of up to $30 per month toward their Internet and/or mobile
service. Thanks to ACP, eligible Comcast customers can get
home Internet either through Comcast's Internet Essentials or
Internet Essentials Plus at no cost once the Federal credit is
applied. Internet Essentials customers can also add a line of
unlimited 5G cellular data ($45)
through Xfinity Mobile for as little as $24.95/month after the ACP benefit is
applied.
Comcast is deeply committed to advancing digital equity in the
communities it serves. The company's community partnerships in
Pennsylvania over the past three
years have totaled $144.7 million in
cash and in-kind contributions to more than 646 local non-profits.
This investment includes the installation of more than 190 Lift
Zones in Pennsylvania, which
provide free, high-speed WiFi service to local community centers to
expand access to digital skills learning opportunities.
A similar Digital Navigator Network expansion to Greater Philadelphia area residents in
Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties and
supported by ACLAMO, Beyond Literacy, Chester Education Foundation,
Drexel ExCITe Center, Esperanza, Literacy Council of Norristown, Media Fellowship House and SEAMAAC
was also announced today. The model for these networks is the
United Way Digital Navigator Network in Philadelphia that was developed through a
grant from PHLConnectED, the City's initiative to provide free
Internet access to pre-K–12 students in need. PHLConnectED was
launched with philanthropic support from Comcast, The Lenfest
Foundation, Neubauer Family Foundation, Philadelphia School
Partnership, William Penn Foundation, Fralic Family Fund, Hess
Foundation, The School District of Philadelphia, select Philadelphia charter schools and Independence
Mission Schools.
About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation
(Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the
connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and
experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of
customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class
broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business,
and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment,
sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo,
Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible
theme parks and attractions to life through Universal
Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com
for more information.
About United Way of Southwestern PA
United Way of
Southwestern Pennsylvania, serving
Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Fayette and Westmoreland counties, convenes and mobilizes
the caring power of individuals, the business community and
organizations to help local people meet basic needs, move toward
financial stability and build for success in school and life.
Together with dedicated donors and caring volunteers, United Way
creates long-lasting change for the betterment of our community.
More information is at www.unitedwayswpa.org.
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