Free Internet Access to Students

New Bedford Public Schools, Comcast and SouthCoast Community Foundation provide free Internet access to students
Posted on 09/23/2020
New Bedford Public Schools, Comcast and SouthCoast Community Foundation provide free Internet access to students

New Bedford Public Schools, Comcast and SouthCoast Community Foundation provide free Internet access to students

New Bedford Public Schools has partnered with Comcast and the SouthCoast Community Foundation to provide six months of high-speed internet access through Comcast’s Internet Essentials Program to eligible families served by the school district.

In recognizing the importance of high-speed access for distance learning, Superintendent Thomas Anderson stated, “It is vital that we do all we can to ensure that our students have the tools and the access they need to continue learning remotely in the distance platform. Comcast’s Internet Essentials program is a means to help provide equity for students no matter their economic status. We appreciate and thank Comcast and SouthCoast Community Foundation for their support and look forward to this partnership as it will be a tremendous benefit to our students.”

John Vasconcellos, SouthCoast Community Foundation president, noted, “As we did in the spring, we are delighted to continue our support of this vital program through the Foundation’s Education Fund – an idea that originated with the Community Foundation. Distance learning is now an integral part of the education landscape and this program removes a critical barrier toward greater equity.”

Internet service will be provided through Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, designed for low-income families and individuals to acquire access to the internet. The partnering arrangement enables six months of free access with Comcast providing two months free as part the Internet Essentials program and the SouthCoast Community Foundation sponsoring the additional four months through their Education Fund.

“Our Internet Essentials Program is helping make sure all students are connected for school at home,” said Tim Kelly, Vice President of Government Affairs for Comcast’s Greater Boston Region. “We are committed to closing the digital divide for low-income Americans so that they enjoy success at school, at work and in their communities and we are proud to work with the New Bedford School District to help achieve that goal.”

Eligibility criteria includes eligibility for public assistance programs and residence within a Comcast coverage area. NBPS families who believe they qualify for the program should contact their respective schools. For program details, please visit www.internetessentials.com using any web-connected device, including mobile phones. The accessible website also includes the option to video chat with customer service agents in American Sign Language. In addition, there are two dedicated phone numbers 1-855-846-8376 for English and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.