Featured photo: Comcast Xfinity workers talks with an attendee to a digital adoption event held at Mince Manor in Flint recently.
Written by Tanya Terry/Photos courtesy of Comcast
An event geared at helping low-income people adopt the internet was recently held at Mince Manor, a Flint Housing Commission apartment complex where many senior citizens live.
“When we first started, we didn’t believe it was going to happen, said Geraldine Redmond, resident director at Mince.
“Now, people are believing,” added. “People are using it…We feel like we’re growing with the young people.”
Lift Zones provide free internet to residents to use in the commons areas of Flint Housing Commission buildings. Now, with the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) residents are eligible for internet in their own units.
“So, we began reaching out talking about having opportunities where we could have residents come enroll in the program with a Comcast specialist,” said Ben Miller, director of government and regulatory affairs for Comcast.
Michelle Gilbert, vice president of public relations and spokesperson for Comcast shared with the Courier the conditions that determine eligibility for the program. Those conditions include:
- Anyone who is in or below the poverty level, or within 200% of the poverty level
- Any individual who qualifies for federal assistance, such as housing, SNAP program, or free or reduced lunch program
Anyone eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program is also eligible for Xfinity’s Internet Essentials, Comcast’s low-cost, high-speed internet service for income-constrained individuals.
“When you combine those two programs together, the ACP gives you a $30 monthly credit on your internet bill,” explained Gilbert. “Internet Essentials, depending on the package you choose, either $9.95 or $29.95, depending on how much speed a household needs, your service is free!”
Gilbert added those who need higher speed for their households may select the higher speed package. On the other hand, if a household selects the $9.95 package, they receive an additional $20 credit they can use toward their mobile phone.
The Internet Essentials Program was started in 2011. According to Gilbert, Comcast started the program because they knew the digital divide was an issue.
“The federal government is investing millions and millions of dollars to make the internet affordable for those who haven’t adopted,” said Gilbert. “That’s how the Affordable Connectivity Program came about.”
Some of these reasons people don’t adopt the internet could include:
- Affordability
- Not having the ability to get the equipment
- Not trusting the internet and/or not knowing how to use it
Michael Jackson, a 57-year-old resident at Mince, uses the internet to watch the news, as well as sports and movies. He had been unable to do these things online for about a year and a half.
“My money was funny,” he said.
Jackson said he loved the Affordable Connectivity and Internet Essentials Programs he enrolled in at the recent event, which helped him.
Deborah McReynolds, a senior citizen at Mince uses the internet for streaming programs and movies. She said she felt the Comcast programs offered at the event were “very good.”
Athena McKay, executive director of Flint Innovation Solutions, signed up people for digital literacy classes at the event. McKay stated to alleviate social isolation, depression and other social determinants of health, broadband internet is a necessity.
“In partnership with Comcast, the City of Flint and the Flint Housing Commission, we’re a part of Connect Home USA Network, which is a HUD program to alleviate the digital divide,” stated McKay. “Flint Innovative Solutions is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit agency here in Flint. We offer technology and digital literacy. Our digital navigators come out to communities and help seniors and others learn how to use their smartphones.”
Athena McKayMcKay explained that for the current project, Flint Innovative Solutions offered a four-week smartphone training. After the completion of those four weeks, participants in the training received a free laptop, which was provided by the program.
For information on Flint Innovation Solutions, including details about ongoing classes at Hasselbring Senior Center, Google certifications, the Flint Eats app and the Genesee County COVID-19 Portal visit flintinnovativesolutions.org.
To apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program, visit getinternet.gov. Current or potential Comcast customers may also visit Xfinity.com/acp.
