According to a survey of Cox Communications' Connect2Compete low-income Internet adoption program participants, the majority of parents surveyed agree low-cost Internet service at home gives children a leg up for high school graduation (91%) and helps students get higher grades (89%). Cox is also expanding the program with a commitment of $20 million annually.
The survey covered more than 1,700 Connect2Compete participants. Among the findings:
- Makes it easier to communicate with teachers and the school (95%)
- Sets children up for success (94%)
- Makes children more interested in school work (88%)
- The convenience of having Internet access at home is among the greatest benefits (97%)
According to the survey, most Connect2Compete customers are first-time Internet users. Many first-time Internet users lack the digital literacy skills necessary to make the most of their Internet connection. To help bridge the gap, Cox Communications offers free digital literacy training and resources through the Cox Digital Academy.
To date, more than 400,000 people have been connected to the Internet via the Connect2Compete program, and Cox continues to invest in the program. Pat Esser, president of Cox Communications announced the company is pledging an additional $20 million to support the initiative over the next year.
"With convenient, reliable internet access at home, students can readily focus on their school work, explore their passions and ultimately reach their full potential in life," said Esser. "We will continue devoting important resources - including discounted Internet service - to bolster their success and close the digital divide."
"My No. 1 priority at the FCC is to bridge the digital divide - the gap between Americans who have access to the Internet and advanced technologies and those who don't," said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. "That's because the Internet is increasingly critical in our daily lives. I've seen this for myself in my travels across the country, and that's why the FCC has taken aggressive action to extend Internet access. Every American deserves to have access to digital opportunity."
