Governor Walker Joins Charter Communications in Promoting Broadband Access During Spectrum Internet Assist Day

GREEN BAY – Governor Scott Walker joined Charter Communications, Inc. leaders at The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Green Bay today to promote broadband access and Spectrum Internet Assist, a low-cost, high-speed broadband service now offered through Charter Communications.

“Every Wisconsin citizen deserves access to high-speed, reliable, affordable internet,” Governor Walker said. “And Charter’s Spectrum Internet Assist service helps to make this a reality by offering a new, low-cost broadband option to our students, families, and seniors. We know it’s crucial our small businesses, schools, and citizens have internet access, regardless of their zip code or income, which is why we’ll continue to work with companies like Charter, state agencies, and other local partners to bolster broadband access and move Wisconsin forward.”

Spectrum Internet Assist provides eligible customers with low-cost broadband speeds of up to 30 megabits per second (Mbps) downstream and 4 Mbps upstream. This exceeds the definition of “high-speed” internet put forth by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Spectrum Internet Assist also includes standard features like e-mail boxes, internet security software, and a modem at no additional charge.

“It’s crucial for cable and broadband providers like us to play a role in bridging the digital divide so that everyone has access to the information and tools they need to succeed in today’s economy,” said Adam Falk, Senior Vice President, State Government Affairs. “Charter is uniquely positioned to bring a whole new world of digital access and opportunity to low income families and seniors, from the most populated Wisconsin cities like Milwaukee and Green Bay to some of the most rural areas like Thorp and Weston. Spectrum Internet Assist is an important next step in providing true high-speed connections to those who would otherwise continue to face a digital inequality, and we’re honored to join forces with Governor Walker to celebrate its availability in Wisconsin.”

Those eligible for Spectrum Internet Assist include families with students who participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and seniors who are 65 and older who receive Supplemental Security Income program benefits. To help potential customers in the eligibility process and enrollment, Charter has launched a new Spectrum Internet Assist website.

Charter Communications, Inc., a leading broadband communications company and the second-largest cable operator in the United States, also announced new partnerships with the Green Bay Kroc Center and Scholarship Inc.’s NEW Scholars college readiness program, which will connect families and seniors in the Green Bay area with the tools and resources they need to be successful in the digital world. Both organizations received $10,000 to upgrade essential technology resources.

The Green Bay Kroc Center plans to use the $10,000 donation to fund a new Spectrum Learning Lab, which will help more seniors and students in the community access the tools and information they need to succeed in school, apply for jobs, and access information necessary to thrive in the 21^st century workforce.

NEW Scholars of Green Bay, an after-school college readiness program that helps students prepare for college, will utilize the $10,000 donation to help even more local students become the first in their family to attend college.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.