Charter Communications launches low-cost internet for families
Charter Communications is launching a new low-cost, high-speed internet broadband network in Kentucky for low-income families and seniors
The Spectrum Internet Assist service is available for $14.99 a month in Jefferson County, said Charter spokesman Mike Hogan in an email.
The service is "an important next step in providing true high-speed connections to those who would otherwise continue to face a digital inequality in this country,” said Tom Rutledge, Charter chairman and CEO, in a news release.
The Spectrum Internet Assist offers speeds up to 30 Mbps and "includes standard features like email boxes, internet security software, and a modem at no additional charge," according to the release.
Comparatively, AT&T offers an option for low-income customers for $10 a month, said Joe Burgan, a spokesman for AT&T in Kentucky. Five speed tiers are available and customers are assigned to 1, 3, 5 or 10 Mbps, depending on fastest available at the address, according to its website.
To assist consumers with the eligibility process and enrollment, Charter has launched a new dedicated Spectrum Internet Assist website: www.SpectrumInternetAssist.com. The release said that prospective enrollees may also call the Spectrum Internet Assist toll-free helpline at 1-844-525-1574 for assistance.
Eligible subscribers include families with students who participate in the National School Lunch Program and seniors who are 65 and older who receive Supplemental Security Income program benefits.
In addition, those who may be eligible include prospective Spectrum Internet Assist enrollees who have not had a Charter/Time Warner Cable/Bright House Networks broadband subscription within 30 days of signing up. Eligible participants will not need to undergo a credit check but they must clear any outstanding debt with Charter, Time Warner Cable or Bright House Networks from the previous 12 months.
Charter, government representatives, and officials of the New Legacy Reentry Corp. have scheduled a news conference for noon Thursday at 1115 Garvin Place in Louisville to announce the new setup. Hogan said the service has been available on an unadvertised basis since March 30 but is officially being launched this week.
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Louisville Metro Councilman David James said that one of the city's goal is to expand digital-information access to as many people as possible.
"As this technology changes, gets faster, and more efficient it is important that all areas of our city and income levels be able to use these changes for a better quality of life,” James said.
Burgan, AT&T in Kentucky spokesman, said AT&T's similar program, Access from AT&T, "is a low-cost option for wireline home internet service for qualifying, low-income households. First offered in April of last year, Access provides eligible residents access to the internet for $10 a month and AT&T will waive installation and internet equipment fees for participating households."
He said the service is offered to households located across the 21 states where AT&T offers wireline home internet service, including here in Louisville, and where at least one household resident participates in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).”
Google Fiber also intends to wire Louisville for ultrafast broadband service.
Reporter Sheldon S. Shafer can be reached at 502-582-7089, or via email at sshafer@courier-journal.com.