Comcast Announces First WiFi-Connected ‘Lift Zones’
Comcast Corp. (Nasdaq: CMCSA) has unveiled the first eight WiFi-connected “Lift Zones” in Indiana, which will be launched by the end of February. The company says the program is an effort to bridge the digital divide as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to put low-income students at risk.
Lift Zones are an effort to help students who are unable to connect to distance learning at home.
Comcast says the Lift Zones provide WiFi hotspots in safe spaces designed to help students get online, participate in distance learning and do their homework. Many of the sites also serve adults and can connect them to online adult education, job searches, healthcare information and public assistance.
The first eight Hoosier Lift Zones include:
- Fort Wayne – Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne
- Indianapolis – Boys & Girls Club of Indianapolis
- Indianapolis – The Reset Center
- Indianapolis – West Side Missionary Baptist Church
- Lafayette – Lyn Treece Boys & Girls Club
- Lafayette – Lyn Treece Boys & Girls Club
- Muncie – Muncie Boys & Girls Club
- Sullivan – Sullivan Housing Authority
“The digital divide has been an ongoing challenge long before the outbreak of COVID-19,” said Tim Collins, senior vice president of Comcast’s Heartland Region. “While the past 10 months have provided learning challenges for virtually all students, it’s put many children in low-income households at a greater disadvantage. We have been dedicated to creating digital equity for nearly 10 years through our Internet Essentials program. Bringing more Lift Zones to Hoosier neighborhoods where they’re needed most is an extension of our commitment.”
The company says it plans to establish more locations across Indiana before the end of this year.
You can connect to more information about lift zones by clicking here.