Cable providers to expand broadband services during pandemic

As more and more people are restricting themselves to homes and as businesses close down during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, several cable providers are expanding services to students and low-income households.

Schools are also being hit as they close down to prevent the spread of the virus, although online classes are still being held. To help with this, Charter Spectrum, Comcast and CTV Beam are offering free and low-cost access to broadband internet.

Services will be offered, “reduced cost, no cost for 60 days, and in some cases automatically increasing upload and download speeds for all customers going forward.”

In a press release, Alabama Cable and Broadband Association Executive Director Michelle Roth said that the providers are partnering with multiple entities in Alabama to make this possible.

“Alabama’s cable providers are also coordinating with our local governmental and non-profit organizations across the state to make sure we have the highest awareness of these broadband options among those most affected by COVID-19 preparations,” she said.

“Please check with your local cable provider if you are unclear on options for student and low-income access during this critical time in Alabama.” She then outlined specific efforts by Charter Spectrum, Comcast (Xfinity) and CTV Beam.

See the following for a list of services that the providers will give during the pandemic.

Charter Spectrum service areas:

• Charter will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395. • Installation fees will be waived for new student households.

• Charter will partner with school districts to ensure local communities are aware of these tools to help students learn remotely.

• For eligible low-income households without school-aged children, Charter continues to offer Spectrum Internet Assist, a low-cost broadband program delivering speeds of 30 Mbps.

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• Charter will open its Wi-Fi hotspots across its Alabama service area for public use.

Comcast’s Xfinity service areas:

• Xfinity WiFi hotspots will also be available for free. For a map, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi.

• Comcast is pausing data plans for 60 days giving all customers unlimited data for no additional charge.

• Comcast will not disconnect a customer’s internet service or assess late fees if they contact the company and let them know that they can’t pay their bills during this period.

• New customers will receive 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service, which is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month. Additionally, the speed of the program’s Internet service was increased to 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream. There is no additional fee and it becomes the new base speed going forward.

In the area of East Alabama, Beam will do the following for 30 days:

• Beam will partner with school districts to ensure the capability to learn remotely.

• Beam will partner with the Housing Authority to accommodate their tenants with internet service.

• Beam will offer free 50 Mbps Internet services for 30 days for new customers with households including K-12 and/or college students who do not have current service. Call for details and to sign up. Installation fees for these services will be waived for new customers meeting the above criteria. A valid school ID or proof of K-12 children in household is required.