Cox Communications is doubling the downstream speed and bringing an in-home WiFi component to Connect2Compete, the MSO’s high-speed Internet program for low-income families with school-aged children.
Cox said it will bump downstream speeds for the program to 10 Mbps, and tack on WiFi for $9.95 per month. The new speeds take effect on December 3, and will benefit nearly 130,000 people who are on the program. WiFi equipment will be included for all new enrollments in the program after December3.
The MSO announced the updates today at Broadmoor High School in East Baton Rouge Parish in Louisiana, and was joined there by FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai.
"Students with high-speed Internet access at home have educational opportunities that were inconceivable just a generation ago,” Pai said in a statement. “But students without it are essentially stuck in the era of the No. 2 pencil," said Commissioner Pai. "I applaud Cox Communications for helping to bridge this gap with its Connect2Compete program. By offering fast, affordable Internet access and WiFi connections at home, Cox is giving students in Baton Rouge and around the country every chance to succeed in the digital age."
"Affordable, home access to the Internet, especially for students and their families, is a vital component of ending the digital divide," added Zach Leverenz, CEO of EveryoneOn, the parent organization of Connect2Compete. "Digital equity for students inside and outside of school also requires equity in the type and quality of service. Cox Communications' commitment to not only providing affordable service, but also expanded speeds and WiFi, is an important part of home access for the underserved populations."
Cox went national with Connect2Compete in April 2013.
Among other MSOs, Comcast recently doubled Internet Essentials’ download speeds to up to 10 Mbps, added free WiFi routers to the mix, and has begun to test a version of the program for low-income community college students.
