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The spread of the coronavirus has caused schools across the United States to close. That doesn’t mean, however, that students and teachers are not going to be taking part in some type of organized education. They now need to do it online, but this presents a problem for children without reliable Internet access.

That is where many Internet service providers are stepping up to help. Children with a need for remote education will be assisted across the United States.

An announcement was made by Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai. It involves the Keep Americans Connected Initiative, and it’s aimed at helping people in the United States to have both Internet service and phone service. The Keep Americans Connected Pledge reads as follows:

“Given the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on American society, [[Company Name]] pledges for the next 60 days to:

1. not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic;

2. waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic;

3. and open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.”

Photo: Pixabay/White77

400 companies and associations have already signed the pledge. Major Internet service providers are also offering free service and for eligible families, in addition to discounts. Here are some that have made that offer:

Comcast: The Internet Essentials package is available for $10 per month. They are also increasing speeds for all customers in response to coronavirus emergency response. New customers receive two months free.

Charter/Spectrum: Charter Communications is offering free access or 60 days up to 100 Mbps. There are no installation fees, but this only applies to homes that don’t have service.

Mediacom: 60 days of free internet and a beefed-up Connect2Compete internet program is offered to families that qualify and request before May 15, 2020.

Suddenlink: New households with K-12 or college students can get free home internet if they do not already have it.

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