CHICAGO (AP) — The city of Chicago and Comcast are entering what they say is the first partnership of its kind to provide discounted computers to low income children and give their families Internet service for a drastically reduced rate.
At a news conference Tuesday, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and a Comcast official announced Internet Essentials. They say the program will bridge what Emanuel calls the "digital divide" in Chicago between kids who have computers at home and those who don't.
Under the program, children who receive free lunches at the Chicago Public Schools will be given a voucher for $150 towards the purchase of a computer. They'll also get broadband Internet service for $9.95 per month.
Emanuel says about 330,000 families are eligible for the program.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.
At a news conference Tuesday, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and a Comcast official announced Internet Essentials. They say the program will bridge what Emanuel calls the "digital divide" in Chicago between kids who have computers at home and those who don't.
Under the program, children who receive free lunches at the Chicago Public Schools will be given a voucher for $150 towards the purchase of a computer. They'll also get broadband Internet service for $9.95 per month.
Emanuel says about 330,000 families are eligible for the program.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.
