BATON ROUGE, La., Nov. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox
Communications is furthering its efforts to connect youth with
technology by doubling the download speed of the company's
discounted Internet service available to low-income families with
school-aged children. Starting early next month, Cox's
Connect2Compete internet speed will increase to 10 Mbps. Cox also
will offer in-home WiFi as part of the monthly service package of
$9.95. Cox continues to narrow the
digital divide by actively promoting the advantages of the
discounted service available through the Connect2Compete program
throughout its 18-state footprint.
"Technology and the Internet play an increasingly critical role
in the education of our youth. Yet, students cannot take the
Internet home in their backpacks," said Cox Communications Chief
Financial Officer Mark Bowser at an
announcement at Broadmoor High School in East Baton Rouge Parish. "We are proud of the
progress we have made in closing the digital divide, but we are
committed to continually enhancing the program to ensure it meets
the needs of our customers and our communities."
Joining Cox for the announcement was FCC Commissioner
Ajit Pai, who also joined students
that afternoon for a tour of the school's online learning lab,
business lab and ESL classrooms.
"Students with high-speed Internet access at home have
educational opportunities that were inconceivable just a generation
ago. But students without it are essentially stuck in the era of
the No. 2 pencil," said Commissioner Pai. "I applaud Cox
Communications for helping to bridge this gap with its
Connect2Compete program. By offering fast, affordable Internet
access and WiFi connections at home, Cox is giving students in
Baton Rouge and around the country
every chance to succeed in the digital age."
With many schools today providing devices to their students as
part of their educational experience, the increased speeds and WiFi
service from Cox will make it easier for all members of a household
to access the Internet at the same time.
The faster Connect2Compete speeds customers will allow students
to access homework assignments or easily watch educational videos.
Parents also can stay involved in their student's education by
easily accessing report cards and interacting with teachers
online. For example, with the new speeds customers will be
able to:*
- Download a document in only a second
- Download a 35 MB video in less than 30 seconds
- Download a 800 MB movie in 11 minutes
"My goal is for every single student in the East Baton Rouge
Parish School System to have access to the tools necessary to learn
and succeed," said Warren Drake,
superintendent of schools. "A fast, reliable Internet
connection empowers our students and their entire families to
maximize educational opportunities at home. By raising the
visibility of the Connect2Compete program within the community, we
are ensuring more families are aware of the high-quality,
discounted Internet service available to them."
The increased speeds will go into effect on December 3, 2015, benefiting nearly 130,000
people already connected to the program. Equipment for in-home WiFi
will be included for all families who enroll in the program after
December 3, 2015.
Cox also will be providing Connect2Compete customers free access
to Cox WiFi, the company's metro wi-fi hotspot network service
available in markets around the country, including Phoenix, Arizona; San Diego, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; Providence Rhode Island; and more. While on
the go or traveling, customers also have access to Cable WiFi,
which is the nation's largest WiFi network of more than 400,000
hotspots, made possible by a collaboration of cable companies
across the country. Launched in 2013, Cable WiFi gives cable
customers access to hotspots that are strategically located in
high-traffic areas such as restaurants, malls, beaches, sports
arenas, and parks in cities that include Los Angeles, San
Francisco, Las Vegas,
New York City, Washington D.C., Boston and Philadelphia.
"Affordable, home access to the Internet, especially for
students and their families, is a vital component of ending the
digital divide," said Zach Leverenz,
CEO of EveryoneOn, the parent organization of Connect2Compete.
"Digital equity for students inside and outside of school also
requires equity in the type and quality of service. Cox
Communications' commitment to not only providing affordable
service, but also expanded speeds and WiFi, is an important part of
home access for the underserved populations."
Cox's support of the Connect2Compete program exceeds
$25 million since 2012. Along with
the FCC, the company is a founding partner of the program, which is
modeled after an Internet adoption initiative Cox established in
2002 in California.
Connect2Compete is promoted in partnership with dozens of
community organizations, agencies and community leaders across the
company's 18-state footprint. The company recently launched a
new public service campaign focuses on the impact the Internet has
on school performance. "Smart Tools for School" is a highly
engaging campaign which shows how Internet access at home can boost
confidence and curiosity, ultimately increasing classroom
performance. Campaign assets include TV and radio spots, flyers and
handbills, outdoor and bus shelter advertising and
more.
About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is a broadband communications and
entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet,
telephone and home security and automation services over its own
nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable 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 digital 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 10 times, including the last nine years.
More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and
www.coxmedia.com.
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SOURCE Cox Communications
