Emanuel, Comcast Partner For Cheaper Student Internet

Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced Tuesday a partnership with Comcast Cable Company, a parent of NBCUniversal Media, to reduce residential Internet rates for some Chicago students.

The partnership will allow broadband Internet access, usually priced at $48.95 a month, at a reduced rate of $9.95 a month for families of about 330,000 low-income students.

Families of children who receive free lunches through Chicago Public Schools will get the deal, which includes no installation or service fees. They also will be eligible to purchase computers for a reduced fee of $150.

Comcast Vice President David Cohen credited Emanuel for the program and said not having Internet access is "just not fair."

Emanuel said the deal will help make technology accessible for more kids who need it and whose families can't afford it at home.

"Having access to high-speed Internet service allows children to do schoolwork, adults to find jobs and grow the city’s economy, and families to learn and explore together," Emanuel said.  "The Internet Essentials program is a perfect example of the city’s government and business community working together to craft innovative, competitive solutions to the important problems facing our citizens.”

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