Cox Communications is reporting a new investment in its efforts to narrow the digital divide through its support of the HUD ConnectHome initiative. The operator is extending its Connect2Compete low-cost Internet offering to any HUD-assisted household with school-age children within Cox’s 18-state service area. It is the first Internet service provider within the ConnectHome umbrella to extend such an offering throughout its entire nationwide footprint, according to the company.
This investment reportedly has the potential to impact nearly 250,000 students across the nation currently residing in HUD-assisted homes.
Cox Communications President Pat Esser joined HUD Secretary Julián Castro in Phoenix at the Phoenix Landing Apartments complex to make the announcement.
“Technology and the Internet play an increasingly critical role in the education of our youth. Yet, students cannot take the Internet home in their backpacks,” Esser says. “Through strong partnerships in the communities we serve, we will build more bridges to enable all families to cross the digital divide, regardless of where they live.”
Following the announcement, hosted a Connect2Compete enrollment event for residents to sign up for the service and schedule their installation. The operator also announced the donation of a new Cox Technology Center to the Phoenix Landing Apartment community.
“ConnectHome is expanding opportunity for our nation’s next generation of inventors, CEOs and artists,” Castro observes. “Today’s announcement will transform the lives of kids across the country, opening the door for students to live up to their full potential and not be limited in what they can achieve.”