Closing Illinois’ Digital Inclusion Gap  

From Shannon Dulin, Senior Director, Community Investments, Comcast Central Division 

Digital Inclusion Week, Oct. 7 – 11, is a time where we collectively recognize the importance of everyone having access to the Internet, and how digital skills are needed to truly take advantage of the online world. It is core to Comcast’s mission as a company to not only offer the world’s best entertainment and online experiences, but to connect people and platforms, creating a more equitable society and positive change.  

Through Comcast’s Project UP, our $1B commitment to advancing digital equity, we partner with local community organizations to offer free Internet access via Lift Zones and support vital programs, which provide participants with digital literacy training and digital navigation services to expand their world with unlimited possibilities.  

Comcast Greater Chicago Region’s local Community Investment Team is the face and voice of Project UP in the communities where we live, work, and serve. They help bring to life our commitment to bridging the digital divide, and in turn – take steps towards creating a more equitable and inclusive future.   

Supporting Community Organizations 

By fostering a diverse and dynamic ecosystem of local partners, we’re helping to build a rich community of inclusive digital learning programs for families and adult learners throughout Illinois. These organizations have a deep understanding of the needs of their communities and can tailor digital training programs to meet those needs. 

Read more about our partnership with the Developmental Services Center.

By working together, we can ensure that our digital inclusion programs reach the people who need them most. 

Championing Digital Literacy Training 

Beyond access to the internet, some community members may be uncertain of how to best utilize all the opportunities afforded to them only in the digital world. From being unfamiliar to fearful, they may not be able to take advantage of basic digital skills – from sending an email to opening a spreadsheet – to everyday life incentives – such as finding better healthcare or applying for jobs. Through Project UP, we specifically seek community organizations who offer free and inclusive digital training, along with Digital Navigator programs to help ‘train the trainers’ who are trusted voices at these centers.  

The Role of Digital Navigators 

Digital navigators play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide. These individuals are trusted and trained to provide support to community members, helping them learn how to use technology safely, comfortably and effectively. They also work to identify barriers to internet access and develop strategies to overcome them. 

“Digital navigators are the true conduit to internet adoption for when someone doesn’t know where to start,” said Higgins. “Whether they are helping new users build the digital skills needed to succeed in school and participate in the workforce or suggesting programs that can help them access and pay for broadband internet service, digital navigators open the door to opportunity and economic mobility.” 

Offering Affordable Internet 

One of the biggest barriers to Internet access is cost. That’s why Comcast offers a variety of affordable home Internet plans, including:  

• Internet Essentials, which recently received “Best” ratings by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance’s Honor Roll of Low-Cost Plans. To learn if you are eligible for the program, please visit Xfinity.com/internetessentials. 

• NOW lines of service with all-in pricing without contracts or credit checks for both home Internet and mobile plans. 

Additionally, we also work with community organizations to provide internet access in public spaces, such as community centers. Comcast has created 80 “Lift Zones” at community centers across Illinois to offer free WiFi access. With more than 1,250 Lift Zone locations nationwide, these active online learning hubs not only offer free internet access but often provide classes and other learning opportunities. Click here to find a Lift Zone near you. 

Digital Empowerment 

Core to who we are as a company, we’re committed to help the communities we serve in both access and adoption of technology. By providing access to low-cost Internet options, and bolstering community-based digital access and literacy training, we’re helping people connect with loved ones, find jobs, access education and participate fully in the online world. 

To learn more about recent partnership announcements, please visit Mentoring Youth Through Technology Receives $25,000 Grant From Comcast to Support Digital Skills Training and Boys & Girls Club of Joliet Recieves $10,000 Grant from Comcast to Support Digital Skills Training