Comcast and United Way Expand Digital Navigator Support to Connect More Residents in Greater Philadelphia to the Internet

Comcast and the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey have announced the expansion of their Digital Navigator Network, which aims to bridge the digital divide in the region. Currently serving Philadelphia residents, the network will now extend its support to residents of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties starting November 2023. This expansion is made possible by a $317,000 grant from Comcast as part of its Project UP initiative, a $1 billion commitment to advancing digital equity.

Digital Navigators, trusted individuals working at community organizations, will assist residents in signing up for internet service and acquiring digital skills. By dialing 2-1-1, residents can access support for questions about digital access and where to learn digital literacy skills. The network includes eight nonprofit community organizations, namely ACLAMO, Beyond Literacy, Chester Education Foundation, Drexel ExCITe Center, Esperanza, Literacy Council of Norristown, Media Fellowship House, and SEAMAAC. These organizations will collaborate, host educational events, raise awareness, and share resources to better address the community’s needs.

To celebrate Digital Inclusion Week, Comcast has also donated 400 laptops to the eight nonprofit organizations involved in the Digital Navigator Network. This donation will support their critical digital navigation work and further empower individuals in the community.

The Digital Navigator Network has already made a positive impact on individuals like Sandra Speight, a Philadelphia retiree, who struggled to navigate the process of signing up for affordable connectivity programs and internet services. Thanks to the network, Sandra received the support she needed and now has the connectivity she requires without the financial burden.

Comcast’s commitment to advancing digital equity extends beyond the Digital Navigator Network. The company is offering exclusive internet deals and spreading awareness about the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides qualifying individuals with a discount of up to $30/month toward their internet service. Through ACP, eligible Comcast customers can access Internet Essentials or Internet Essentials Plus at no cost once the federal credit is applied. Additionally, Comcast has invested $144.7 million in cash and in-kind contributions to more than 646 local nonprofits in Pennsylvania over the past three years.

The expansion of the Digital Navigator Network to the Pittsburgh area is also being announced, furthering Comcast’s efforts to bridge the digital divide in Pennsylvania. This expansion is supported by Literacy Pittsburgh, Macedonia FACE, and YWCA of Westmoreland County.

Comcast’s partnership with the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey demonstrates their shared commitment to digital inclusion and empowering communities. By providing access to digital skills and resources, the Digital Navigator Network is helping residents in the Greater Philadelphia area thrive in today’s digital age.