Cox Communications Closes Digital Divide with Connect2Compete Broadband Adoption Program

Cox to contribute more than $15 million in support by 2016

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Aug 19, 2014, 04:00 ET

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Communications today announced a two-year extension of its participation in Connect2Compete, the broadband adoption program that offers discounted high speed internet service to low-income families with children who qualify for the National School Lunch Program. Cox pledged $15 million in support of broadband adoption initiatives through 2016. The announcement was made by Cox President Pat Esser at the National Press Club. Joining Esser for the announcement were EveryoneOn CEO Zach Leverenz and Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel.

"Connecting youth to technology is a core value of Cox Communications, and has guided our community investment initiative for decades. But in today's digital economy, the Internet is a critical educational resource for America's youth and their families," said Esser. "Together with Connect2Compete, we are making great progress in bringing Internet service to more low-income families in the communities we serve."

In making the announcement, Esser also shared how the company is making program enrollment easier for families. Cox has expanded the proof of eligibility to include Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Families with K-12 students who participate in these programs or the Federal Free School Lunch Program are eligible for the Cox Connect2Compete discounted service.

Cox was the first company to roll-out the Connect2Compete program, piloting the initiative for the FCC in San Diego, CA in 2012. Cox rolled out the program nationally in April 2013. Today, more than 15,000 families have enrolled in Cox's program, bringing broadband service to their homes and helping close the digital divide.

In addition to offering discounted internet service to eligible families, Cox promotes digital literacy awareness through public service announcements and donated advertising time for broadband adoption on its cross-channel cable lineup.

Since 2012, Cox has actively promoted the Connect2Compete program in partnership with dozens of community organizations, agencies and officials to help spread the word about the program. Across its 18 state footprint, more than 500,000 flyers have been distributed to families in 6,500 schools, and nearly 200,000 public service announcements have aired on its cross-channel cable network lineup.

"Cox's program has demonstrated the powerful impact a company can have in its local communities," said Zach Leverenz, Chief Executive Officer of EveryoneOn. "The company's commitment to closing the digital divide and willingness to expand the low-income eligibility programs to encourage more households to take advantage of its offers serves as a model to the industry."

EveryoneOn is a national nonprofit working to eliminate the digital divide by making high-speed, low-cost Internet service and computers, and free digital literacy courses accessible to all unconnected Americans. Connect2Compete (C2C) is EveryoneOn's flagship program for K-12 students and provides affordable Internet and devices to students and families that qualify for the National School Lunch Program.

For more information on Cox's Connect2Compete program, visit www.connect2compete.org/Cox.

About Cox Communications

Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet and telephone services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves approximately 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising.

Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For eight years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity nine times, including the last eight years. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.

SOURCE Cox Communications