SALT LAKE CITY (AP) ? Gov. Gary Herbert’s office is backing an effort to bring affordable Internet access to low-income families.
Lt. Gov. Greg Bell joined Comcast Corp. officials Monday to mark the launch of the “Internet Essentials” initiative that offers monthly Web access for $9.95 to households that qualify.
Families who have school-aged children and participate in the national school lunch program are eligible for the discounted rate. Participants must also live within a Comcast service area.
Internet Essentials also offers families a discounted laptop for $150 and free training on how to use the Internet.
KSL-TV reports nearly 130,000 students and families qualify for the program. Utah residents can sign up by calling 1-(855)-8-INTERNET.
Herbert’s deputy chief of staff says the governor is supportive of projects that provide online access for Utah schoolchildren.