Company Launches 20 WiFi-Connected “Lift Zones” in Detroit Neighborhoods; Plans More Across State
After completing the launch of its first 20 WiFi-connected “Lift Zones” in Detroit in early January, the company announced today that it will expand its program to help bridge the digital divide by establishing more locations across Michigan before the end of this year.
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 designed to help those students who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to connect to distance learning at home.
Comcast provides robust WiFi hotspots in community safe spaces designed to help students get online, participate in distance learning and do their homework. Many of these sites also serve adults and can connect them to online adult education, job searches, healthcare information and public assistance.
Any nonprofit organization, government agency, public housing or other establishment that is interested in becoming a Comcast Lift Zone and is located within the company’s Michigan serviceable area can send an email to CENHRT_LiftZones@comcast.com for more information. Criteria for becoming a Lift Zone include:
- On-site adult supervision to monitor activity during all hours of operation
- Enforcement of COVID-safety protocols
- Allocation of adequate space with chairs and computers conducive for learning
- I.T. support
The first 20 Lift Zones include:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan: Lloyd H. Diehl Club: 4242 Collingwood Street, Detroit
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan: Dick & Sandy Dauch Campus: 16500 Tireman Street, Detroit
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan: Fauver-Martin Club: 24 Ferris St., Highland Park
Chance for Life Organization: 2400 E. McNichols, Detroit
City Covenant Church (Mission: City): 20405 Schoolcraft, Detroit
COTS Detroit: 2211 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit
Detroit Association of Black Organizations: 12048 Grand River Ave., Detroit
Detroit Blight Busters: 17340 Lahser Road, Detroit
Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation: 1211 Trumbull Street, Detroit
Detroit Impact: 9930 Greenfield Rd., Detroit
Detroit PAL: 1680 Michigan Ave., Detroit
Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries – Men’s Shelter: 3606 Third Street, Detroit
Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries – Women’s Shelter: 12900 West Chicago Street, Detroit
Downtown Boxing Gym: 6445 East Vernor Highway, Detroit
Franklin Wright Settlements: 7375 Woodward Avenue, Detroit
Friends of Parkside: 5000 Conner St., Detroit
Latin Americans for Social and Economic Development, Inc.: 7150 Vernor Highway, Detroit
Life Remodeled: 2470 Collingwood St. Detroit
Matrix Human Services: Social Mobility Center: 13560 East McNichols Road, Detroit
Say Detroit Play Center:19320 Van Dyke Avenue, Detroit
“While the digital divide has been an ongoing challenge long before the outbreak of COVID-19, the past 10 months have brought this critical issue to the forefront for everyone,” said Tim Collins, senior vice president of Comcast in Michigan. “We have been dedicated to creating digital equity for nearly 10 years through our Internet Essentials program. Bringing more Lift Zones to Michigan neighborhoods where they’re needed most is an extension of our commitment.”
In the past ten years, Internet Essentials has become the nation’s largest and most successful low-income broadband adoption program and has connected millions of people to the Internet at home. It offers households low-cost, Internet service for $9.95/month (plus additional taxes and fees), the option to purchase a heavily subsidized computer and multiple options for free digital literacy training. Comcast is also providing 60 days of free Internet Essentials service for qualifying low-income families that sign up before June 30, 2021. Additionally, the company increased speeds for all new and existing Internet Essentials customers at no additional cost.
