Comcast Launches WiFi-Connected "Lift Zones" Across Vermont

Rhea-AI Summary

Comcast has launched four WiFi-connected "Lift Zones" in Vermont, aimed at helping low-income families access the Internet for educational and essential services. These initiatives are expected to support hundreds of students by providing free WiFi at community centers. Comcast's Internet Essentials program has already connected over 10 million Americans to broadband, with 6,900 households in Vermont benefiting since its inception. Furthermore, Comcast recently announced a $1 billion commitment over the next decade to bridge the digital divide for low-income families.

Positive

• Launch of four new Lift Zone sites in Vermont, enhancing Internet access for low-income families.
• Ongoing commitment through Internet Essentials program, with over 10 million people connected to broadband since 2011.
• Recent $1 billion commitment to improve digital access for low-income families over the next ten years.

Negative

• None.

SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt., May 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its ongoing commitment to help connect low-income families to the Internet so they can fully participate in educational opportunities and the digital economy, Comcast today announced it has equipped four nonprofit organizations in Vermont with WiFi-connected "Lift Zones". The free WiFi coverage provided by Comcast at these community centers is expected to help hundreds of low-income students get online and do their schoolwork.  

Current Comcast Lift Zones in Vermont include:

• Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro
• Boys & Girls Club of Burlington
• Dodge House in Rutland
• Spectrum Youth & Family Services in St. Albans

"In this world of remote learning and virtual meetings, our Comcast Lift Zone site has allowed the youth we serve at our Drop-In Center in St. Albans to access a safe space where they can attend class virtually and complete their schoolwork," said Will Towne, Director of Housing and Operations for Spectrum Youth & Family Services. "In addition, they are able to virtually attend sessions with their therapists, case managers and other community providers, outside of their homes in a private location. This kind of support from Comcast has been invaluable."

Lift Zone sites complement Comcast's Internet Essentials program, which, since 2011, has now connected a cumulative total of more than 10 million people in America to broadband Internet at home, including approximately 6,900 households in Vermont.

Today's announcement also comes on the heels of Comcast's recent $1 billion commitment over the next 10 years to help further close the digital divide and give even more low-income students and families the tools and resources they need to succeed in a digital world.   

"We are proud to partner with community organizations across the state and equip them with fast WiFi service to provide residents with safe and reliable connectivity to learn, access vital online services, and connect virtually with friends and loved-ones," said Dennis Mathew, Senior Vice President of Comcast's Western New England Region, which includes Vermont. "This effort is part of our ongoing commitment to help connect low-income families to the Internet and provide resources to help them fully participate in educational opportunities and the digital economy."

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 56 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, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, 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.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/comcast-launches-wifi-connected-lift-zones-across-vermont-301285936.html

SOURCE Comcast NBCUniversal

FAQ

What is the purpose of Comcast's Lift Zones in Vermont?

Comcast's Lift Zones aim to provide free WiFi access to low-income families, facilitating educational opportunities and access to essential online services.

How many Lift Zones has Comcast launched in Vermont?

Comcast has launched four Lift Zones in Vermont.

What is Comcast's Internet Essentials program?

Comcast's Internet Essentials program provides affordable broadband access to low-income households and has connected over 10 million people in the U.S. since 2011.

What recent financial commitment has Comcast made to digital inclusion?

Comcast recently announced a $1 billion commitment over the next ten years to help close the digital divide for low-income families.

How does the Lift Zone initiative benefit students in Vermont?

The Lift Zone initiative provides safe, reliable WiFi access for students to attend classes virtually and complete their schoolwork.