Alabama cable providers to offer no-cost, low-cost options during coronavirus pandemic

Alabama’s cable providers are now giving students and low-income populations hit hardest by closures and other impacts from COVID-19 pandemic in the state no-cost and low-cost options for high-speed internet access, according to a press release from alabamacable.org.

The online press release noted more information on the duration of the services:

To help those least equipped with the technology to cope with this crisis, cable providers like Charter Spectrum and Comcast are providing an array of these services at reduced cost, no cost for 60 days, and in some cases automatically increasing upload and download speeds for all customers going forward.

“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,” said Michelle Roth, executive director of the Alabama Cable and Broadband Association.

“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 added.

Those participating in the services include Charter Spectrum, Comcast (Xfinity) and CTV Beam.

The press release went on to list the particular services and efforts each cable provider introduced:

Charter Spectrum:

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

Comcast’s Xfinity:

• 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.

Beam of East Alabama has the pledged 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 the household is required.

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