In partnership with EveryoneOn, Mediacom Communications is beginning wide-scale deployment of the Connect2Compete broadband adoption program, starting in southern Illinois.
As part of Connect2Compete, Mediacom will provide discounted high-speed Internet services to students and families that qualify for the National School Lunch Program. The service will be provisioned at 10 Mbps downstream and 1 Mbps up and priced at $9.95 per month, which includes the lease of a WiFi-enabled modem at no additional charge.
Previously, Connect2Compete was only available in a limited number of Mediacom markets at speeds of 1.5 Mbps downstream and 512 kbps up. The revamped 10 Mbps offering will be available across Mediacom's entire broadband footprint, roughly 3 million homes passed.
"The Internet has become an essential communications and learning tool for educators, students and parents," said Todd Curtis, group vice president for Mediacom's Lincoln Region. "By launching the Connect2Compete program in southern Illinois, we hope to make Internet access available to more families by lowering the cost of entry for those most at-risk of being left behind in today's digital world."
Steven Mitchell, economic development director for Carbondale, IL, said: "Addressing digital inclusion is a priority. We must ensure all residents have the capability to empower their lives through digital technology. The Connect2Compete initiative launched by Mediacom in partnership with EveryoneOn attacks this issue head on by offering low-income families with school age children an affordable Internet service option."
In late May, Mediacom launched DOCSIS 3.1-based gigabit Internet service in 275 Illinois communities, with another 70 slated to launch in June and July.
EveryoneOn is a national nonprofit that aims to connect everyone to the Internet. Since 2012, EveryoneOn has connected more than 500,000 people in the United States, with the goal of connecting 1 million people by 2020. Connect2Compete is EveryoneOn's program with the nation's cable companies to provide affordable Internet and devices to low-income populations, including students and families who qualify for the National School Lunch Program.