Alabama’s cable providers are providing no-cost and low-cost options for high-speed internet access to the state’s students and low-income populations hit hardest by closures and other impacts from COVID-19 pandemic precautions.

Schools in Alabama will close on March 18 for two and a half weeks. Many workers, too are being asked to telecommute in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. To help those least equipped with the technology to cope with this crisis, cable providers like Charter Spectrum and Comcast are providing an array of these services at reduced cost, no cost for 60 days, and in some cases automatically increasing upload and download speeds for all customers going forward.

“Alabama’s cable providers are also coordinating with our local governmental and non-profit organizations across the state to make sure we have the highest awareness of these broadband options among those most affected by COVID-19 preparations,” said Michelle Roth, executive director of the Alabama Cable and Broadband Association. “Please check with your local cable provider if you are unclear on options for student and low-income access during this critical time in Alabama.”

For residents in Charter Spectrum service areas:

• Charter will offer free Spectrum broadband and WiFi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395.

• Installation fees will be waived for new student households.

• Charter will partner with school districts to ensure local communities are aware of these tools to help students learn remotely.

• For eligible low-income households without school-aged children, Charter continues to offer Spectrum Internet Assist, a low-cost broadband program delivering speeds of 30 Mbps.

• Charter will open its WiFi hotspots across its Alabama service area for public use.

 For residents in Comcast’s Xfinity service areas:

• Xfinity WiFi hotspots will also be available for free. For a map, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi.

• Comcast is pausing data plans for 60 days giving all customers unlimited data for no additional charge.

• Comcast will not disconnect a customer’s internet service or assess late fees if they contact the company and let them know that they can’t pay their bills during this period.

• New customers will receive 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service, which is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month. Additionally, the speed of the program’s Internet service was increased to 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream. There is no additional fee and it becomes the new base speed going forward.