2 The Hampton Roads Messenger


Volume 9 Number 1


September 2014


Cox Communications Closes Digital Divide With Connect2Compete Broadband Adoption Program


WASHINGTON-- program that Cox


Communications today announced a two-year extension of its participation in Connect2Compete, the broadband adoption


offers


discounted high speed internet service to low-income families with children who qualify for the National School Lunch Program. Cox pledged $15 million in support of broadband adoption initiatives through 2016. The announcement was made by Cox President Pat Esser at the National Press Club. Joining Esser for the announcement were EveryoneOn CEO Zach Leverenz and Federal Communications


Commission


Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel. "Connecting


youth to


technology is a core value of Cox Communications, and has guided our community investment initiative for decades. But in today's digital economy, the Internet is a critical educational resource for America's youth and their families," said Esser. "Together with Connect2Compete, we are making great progress in bringing Internet service to more low-income families in the communities we serve."


In making the announcement,


Esser also shared how the company is making program enrollment easier for families. Cox has expanded the proof of eligibility to include Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Families with K-12 students who participate in these programs or the Federal Free School Lunch Program are eligible for the Cox Connect2Compete discounted service.


Cox was the first company


to roll-out the Connect2Compete program, piloting the initiative for the FCC in San Diego, CA in 2012. Cox rolled out the program nationally in April 2013. Today, more than 15,000 families have enrolled in Cox's program, bringing broadband service to their homes and helping close the digital divide.


In addition to offering


discounted internet service to eligible families, Cox promotes digital literacy awareness through public service announcements and donated advertising


time for broadband adoption on its cross-channel cable


lineup. Since 2012, Cox has actively


promoted the Connect2Compete program in partnership with dozens of community organizations, agencies and officials to help spread the word about the program. Across its 18 state footprint, more than 500,000 flyers have been distributed to families in 6,500 schools, and nearly 200,000 public service announcements have aired


on its cross-channel twitter.com/H_R_Messenger


the powerful impact a company can have in its local communities," said Zach Leverenz, Chief Executive Officer of EveryoneOn. "The company's commitment to closing the digital divide and willingness to


expand the low-income eligibility programs to encourage more households to take advantage of its offers serves as a model to the industry."


EveryoneOn is a national


nonprofit working to eliminate the digital divide by making high-speed, low-cost Internet


cable


network lineup. "Cox's program has demonstrated


service and


computers, and free digital literacy courses accessible to all unconnected Americans. Connect2Compete (C2C) is EveryoneOn's flagship program for K-12 students and provides affordable Internet and devices to students and families that qualify for the National School Lunch Program.


For more information on Cox's Connect2Compete program, visit www.connect2compete.org/Cox.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16