This morning in Chicago, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced an initiative, in conjunction with Comcast, to provide affordable Internet access and computer equipment to economically-disadvantaged school children. The program, dubbed "Internet Essentials" will be available throughout the Comcast footprint as students return to school this fall.

Households will be eligible to participate in Internet Essentials if they have at least one child eligible to receive a free school lunch through the National School Lunch Program and are located in communities in which Comcast offers Internet service. Other eligibility requirements also apply.

Mayor Emanuel said, "Having access to high-speed Internet service allows children to do schoolwork, adults to find jobs and grow the city’s economy, and families to learn and explore together."?

When the program launches this fall, participants will receive:

  • XFinity Economy Internet Service for $9.95 per month (plus applicable taxes) with no activation or equipment rental charges;
  • The opportunity to purchase a computer for $149.99 (plus applicable taxes); and
  • Access to online, in print, and in person digital literacy training.

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