1,000+ WiFi-connected community centers nationwide will feature robust connectivity and security solutions from Comcast Business

PHILADELPHIA – October 2, 2020 – Last week, Comcast announced a multiyear program to launch more than 1,000 WiFi-connected “Lift Zones” in community centers nationwide as part of its ongoing commitment to help connect low-income families to the Internet so they can fully participate in educational opportunities and the digital economy. Each Lift Zone will be powered by a combination of connectivity and security solutions from Comcast Business. 

The COVID-19 crisis has put many low-income students at risk of being left behind and has accelerated the need for comprehensive digital equity and Internet adoption programs to support them. Lift Zones are intended to help those students who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to connect to distance learning at home, or who just want another place in which to study. They will provide students equal access to the Internet in safe, local spaces, as well as access to hundreds of hours of educational and digital skills training. 

"Lift Zones are an amazing opportunity for Comcast to give back to our communities, help bridge the digital divide and support children nationwide during this challenging school year,” said Christian Nascimento, Vice President, Product Management, Comcast Business. “We’re proud to be a part of this initiative and bring the power of Comcast Business’ connectivity and security solutions to each of these locations.”

Each Lift Zone location will be outfitted with a robust WiFi solution powered by Comcast Business at no cost. The sites will be equipped with a combination of Comcast Business’ award-winning Business Internet, WiFi Pro and SecurityEdge solutions; customized based on the size and unique connectivity needs of each location.

• Business Internet helps to ensure students have access to fast, reliable and secure Internet with enough bandwidth to power all the devices in each Lift Zone, backed by the nation’s largest Gig-speed network.
• WiFi Pro provides Lift Zone network administrators a powerful all-in-one tool for setting up and managing their network. It includes a mobile-friendly online portal where they are able to turn networks on and off at scheduled times; get access to data and reports; and restrict access to undesirable sites.
• Comcast Business’ Internet security solution, SecurityEdge, blocks access to compromised or malicious domains and helps protect anyone on the Lift Zone’s network from cyberthreats or infected websites.

The first 200 Lift Zones have already been identified. Several are open and others will open this year in more than a dozen cities. Additional details on Lift Zones can be found here. 

Comcast also continues to extend free access to its 1.5 million public Xfinity WiFi hotspots to anyone who needs them, including non-customers, through the end of 2020. These hotspots are located in public places like small businesses, parks, and transportation hubs and are in addition to the Lift Zones.

Comcast Business’ gig-speed network, seasoned engineers and award-winning business tools and services are helping businesses of all sizes remain connected, secure and agile during the COVID-19 crisis. Comcast Business has teamed up with leading brands, including American Express, Inc., Amazon Web Services, and more, to develop free webinars, resources, and tools for business navigating this new environment. 

About Comcast Business

Comcast Business offers Ethernet, Internet, Wi-Fi, Voice, TV and Managed Enterprise Solutions to help organizations of all sizes transform their business. Powered by an advanced network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is one of the largest contributors to the growth of Comcast Cable. Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and has emerged as a force in the Enterprise market; recognized over the last two years by leading industry associations as one of the fastest growing providers of Ethernet services.  For more information, call 866-429-3085. Follow on Twitter @ComcastBusiness and on other social media networks at http://business.comcast.com/social.

About Comcast Corporation 

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with three primary businesses:  Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky.  Comcast Cable is one of the United States’ largest video, high-speed internet, and phone providers to residential customers under the Xfinity brand, and also provides these services to businesses.  It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the Xfinity brand.  NBCUniversal is global and operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures, and Universal Parks and Resorts.  Sky is one of Europe's leading media and entertainment companies, connecting customers to a broad range of video content through its pay television services.  It also provides communications services, including residential high-speed internet, phone, and wireless services.  Sky operates the Sky News broadcast network and sports and entertainment networks, produces original content, and has exclusive content rights.  Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

 

Comcast Business Contact

Matt Helmke, Senior Director of Communications
Comcast Business
215.286.8666
matt_helmke@comcast.com