Comcast ups Internet Essentials speeds

Comcast (NASDAQ:CMCSA) is increasing the speeds of its Internet Essentials low-income broadband adoption program, as well as access to the program.

Speeds for Internet Essentials service are increasing from 15 Mbps downstream and 2 Mbps upstream to 25/3 Mbps for all new and existing customers, which will be the speed of the service going forward.

To receive the increased Internet speeds, existing customers will not need to do anything. The new speeds are slated to be rolled out nationally over the next few days. Comcast will send all new customers a free self-install kit that includes a cable modem with a WiFi router. There will be no term contract or credit check and no shipping fee.

Starting Monday, low-income families who live in a Comcast service area can sign up for 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service, which is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month.