Pittsburgh, PA (August 18, 2020) – The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) has partnered with Comcast to provide one year of free high-speed internet access through Comcast’s Internet Essentials Program to 1,500 eligible families served by HACP. One thousand of the HACP families receiving free access have Pittsburgh Public Schools students learning at home.
“Internet access became more important than ever when everyone transitioned to working and learning from home,” said Rep. Mike Doyle (PA-18). “Comcast’s Internet Essentials partnership with HACP, funded by the CARES Act, helps to close the digital divide for Pittsburgh families who need Internet access in order to be successful in school and work.”
Internet service will be provided through Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, designed for low-income families and individuals to acquire access to the internet. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Comcast is offering two free months of internet access to qualifying low-income families that apply before the end of the year. The Housing Authority is purchasing an additional 10 months of service, enabling 12 months of free internet access.
“By the end of 2020, we will have a system in place that ensures all residents of HACP owned and operated communities have access to the internet,” said HACP Executive Director Caster D. Binion. “The first step in this process was to make sure our students were connected to their remote learning platforms. Next, we’ll be working to connect senior citizens, disabled individuals, job seekers, and anyone in between with suitable, home internet service.”
In the coming weeks, HACP will contact eligible families to connect them to Internet Essentials. Eligibility criteria includes eligibility for public assistance programs and residence within a Comcast coverage area. Applicants not served by the Housing Authority can go to: www.internetessentials.com using any web-connected device, including mobile phones. The accessible website also includes the option to video chat with customer service agents in American Sign Language. In addition, there are two dedicated phone numbers 1-855-846-8376 for English and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.