[1st-mile-nm] CenturyLink Introduces Internet Basics for Low-Income Consumers
Richard Lowenberg
rl at 1st-mile.com
Mon Oct 3 12:44:48 PDT 2011
The following CenturyLink PR is of note to this list
as it includes Farmington among first round program communities.
Not sure which Las Vegas (NV or NM) is also in the first round ?
CenturyLink NM representatives may want to add comments to this list.
RL
CenturyLink Introduces Internet Basics for Low-Income Consumers
http://news.centurylink.com/index.php?s=43&item=2860
CenturyLink, a leading Internet service provider, also is offering
affordable computers and free technology training through the Internet
Basics program
Oct 3, 2011
MONROE, La., Oct. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- CenturyLink, Inc. (NYSE:
CTL), one of the nation's leading Internet service providers, today
introduced CenturyLink Internet Basics to improve and promote broadband
adoption and use by low-income consumers.
To help get more low-income households online, CenturyLink is offering
discounted High-Speed Internet service starting at $9.95 a month, plus
applicable taxes and fees, to eligible consumers in the 37 states where
it has local operations. The service provides access up to 1.5 Mbps
downstream capability. Higher bandwidth services, where available, are
offered at a comparable discount.
CenturyLink also is offering program participants an Internet-ready
netbook computer for $150, plus taxes, shipping and handling. The new
equipment includes access to CenturyLink at Ease™, a comprehensive suite of
backup, security and support services.
"While the Internet has become part of daily life for most Americans,
many still aren't connected because the cost is beyond their reach.
CenturyLink is pleased to introduce this new program that offers
affordable High-Speed Internet service and computers to those who need
help getting online," said CenturyLink CEO and President Glen F. Post,
III.
In addition, CenturyLink is arranging basic computer education and
technology training at no additional cost to Internet Basics customers.
The classes are being offered through community groups and senior
centers, as well as schools, libraries, and other state and local
institutions, in more than 100 markets throughout the country.
The first phase of the free computer learning program is starting this
fall in Foley, Ala.; Dumas, Ark.; Eagle, Colo.; Tallahassee, Fla.;
Phoenix; Galesburg, Ill.; Franklin, Ind.; Billings and Great Falls,
Mont.; Las Vegas; Farmington, N.M.; Rockingham, N.C.; Lorain, Ohio;
Columbia River Gorge, Ore.; Greenwood, S.C.; Seattle and Yakima, Wash.;
and Glenwood City, Wis. Other communities where the training is taking
place will be announced in 2012.
"Technology training and education are essential for competing and
succeeding in the world's expanding digital economy," Post said.
"Through this program, CenturyLink is increasing the availability of
Internet access, tools and resources for bringing new opportunities to
families in our communities."
Participation in CenturyLink Internet Basics is determined by the
criteria for the Lifeline Affordable Telephone Service, a federal
program currently offered by CenturyLink that provides discounts on
basic monthly telephone service to eligible low-income consumers.
According to a study on broadband adoption by the Federal
Communications Commission, 60 percent of low-income households, which
are defined as having annual incomes of less than $20,000, do not
subscribe to High-Speed Internet service, compared to 35 percent of the
entire U.S. population. Among those Americans who do not have broadband
at home, 36 percent said it was because of the cost of the service and
equipment, and 22 percent cited a "lack of digital literacy."
For more information about CenturyLink Internet Basics, please visit
http://www.centurylink.com/internetbasics
--
Richard Lowenberg
1st-Mile Institute
Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504
505-989-9110 / 505-603-5200
www.1st-mile.com rl at 1st-mile.com
More information about the 1st-mile-nm
mailing list