Cox Communications today announced additional low-income families within its service area are now eligible for discounted internet service through the company’s Connect2Compete program.  Eligibility requirements have been expanded to include families with at least one K-12 child who qualifies for reduced school lunches through the National School Lunch Program. The program was previously only available to families with a child on free lunch.

“We’re making it easier for low-income families to get a high speed internet connection at home by significantly broadening the eligibility requirements for discounted service through the Connect2Compete program,” said Lynn Murphey, Cox’s Middle Georgia market vice president.  “With a fast, reliable internet connection at home, the entire family can become more engaged with their child’s education.  Students can access homework assignments while parents are empowered to better communicate with teachers and become more involved with school events.  It’s a win-win for the entire family.”

Key elements of the Connect2Compete program include:

• Internet access at the discounted price of $9.95/month.
• No price increases, no activation fees, and no equipment rental fees associated with the high-speed Internet program for two years.
• Free in-home WiFi, free installation and free access to hundreds of thousands of WiFi hotspots strategically located in markets across the country through Cox WiFi and Cable WiFi.
• In addition to families participating in the National School Lunch Program, eligibility also extends to families with at least one K-12 student who live in HUD-assisted housing, or receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Connect2Compete (C2C) is EveryoneOn’s flagship program for K-12 students and provides affordable Internet and devices to students and families that qualify for the National School Lunch Program. (http://everyoneon.org/about/c2c/). Cox Communications was the first Internet Service Provider to work with Connect2Compete and the FCC to conduct a pilot test of the program in our San Diego market in spring of 2012. (The program was launched in Acadiana in the fall of that same year.) Families cannot have subscribed to Cox High Speed Internet service within the last 90 days, and may not have any outstanding bills or unreturned equipment with Cox.

For more information or to sign up for Connect2Compete call 1-855-222-3252, or visit www.connect2compete.org/cox.

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 broadband, voice and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For nine 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 11 times. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.