RCN, Grande and Wave, the providers of high-speed internet, digital TV and phone services across the U.S. who together form the sixth largest US cable operator, on Mar. 24 announced that the companies' Internet First program customers, both new and existing, are receiving a significant speed increase – double the speed of their current package – for no additional cost or required action.
The Internet First prograom delivers reliably fast internet for $9.95 per month to qualifying low-income households eligible for assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or WIC.
Launched in April 2020 to help households impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Internet First program provides affordable internet options to families and students in low-income households. The program delivers reliable access to RCN, Grande and Wave’s internet service for eligible customers, enabling them to continue school and work, access educational resources and more.
“With continued COVID-19 safety protocols in place for many schools and businesses, the need for reliable access to the internet at home is just as important in 2021 as it was at the onset of the pandemic, and keeping people connected remains our priority,” said Chris Fenger, chief operating officer of RCN, Grande and Wave. “Faster access at the same affordable price will provide relief for families still adjusting to the sustained shift of work, school and entertainment to the internet, and accommodate the uptick in bandwidth that comes with having everybody at home.”
Per the providers, the RCN, Grande and Wave Internet First offering includes:
- Double the speed, with up to 50Mbps internet.
- Free internet and standard WiFi for first 60 days through enrollment in the Internet First Program, for all qualifying low-income households who do not already subscribe to their internet service
- No activation or installation fees for equipment
- Option to add Whole Home WiFi powered by eero for $9.95 per month, including one eero Pro and 1 eero Beacon
RCN, Grande, Wave say they continue to see excellent performance of their networks with engineers, field technicians, and operations centers "on point 24/7 to meet shifts in usage patterns and increased traffic."
Per a company statement, "While many are still working, learning and connecting from home, the organization remains vigilant in keeping everyone connected and safe. RCN, Grande and Wave have pledged to ensure its workforce continues to follow safety protocols, such as wearing masks and social distancing to keep employees, customers and the communities they serve healthy in these challenging times."
For details on all RCN, Grande and Wave programs and additional updates on the companies’ response to COVID-19, visit http://www.rcn.com/we-care, http://www.wavebroadband.com/we-care, or http://www.mygrande.com/we-care.