Comcast Logo
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Comcast Beltway

  • About
  • Xfinity Stores
  • Careers
  • Contact

Comcast and Serve Your City Launch Digital Navigator Program to Accelerate Internet Adoption in Washington, D.C.

July 21, 2022

Comcast has announced expanded efforts to close the digital divide in Washington, D.C. by partnering with Serve Your City/Ward 6 Mutual Aid (SYC/W6MA) to launch a Digital Navigator program that will train trusted community leaders to serve as Digital Navigators, providing direct outreach to residents in Wards 7 and 8 about free and low-cost Internet options and how to build their digital skills.

SYC/W6MA is a D.C.-based nonprofit that for more than a decade has provided Black and Brown youth and families the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. The SYC/W6MA Digital Navigators will provide a range of support, including helping residents take advantage of the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) – which provides a $30 per month credit toward purchasing Internet or mobile service ($75 per month on tribal lands) and can be combined with Internet Essentials from Comcast to provide eligible residents with free Internet service.

“With the Federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help connect as many people as possible to the internet,” said Broderick Johnson, Executive Vice President, Digital Equity and Executive Vice President, Public Policy at Comcast. “The challenge we face, however, is low awareness about ACP and many people who qualify for it also lack the digital skills required to sign up. This is why working with trusted organizations like Serve Your City and Ward 6 Mutual Aid is one of the most effective ways to get more people online and help build the digital skills they need to succeed – driving transformative change for families across the District and nationwide.”

The Digital Navigator model is a highly effective and research-driven approach that engages trusted community organizations to address the root causes of the digital divide – including access to technology, affordability, and digital skills – the essential foundations for Internet adoption. A recent study from the Boston Consulting Group surveyed more than 1,500 people nationwide who used Digital Navigator services and revealed the critical role Digital Navigators play in closing the digital divide and reducing socioeconomic inequalities. Key takeaways include:

  • More than 65% of survey respondents said they obtained Internet access or a computer or tablet at home; among Hispanic and Black Americans, this increased to 72%.
  • More than 85% of all respondents said they used the Internet more frequently.
  • Almost half surveyed obtained better healthcare, and 40% received support with basic needs like food, rent, and housing.
  • 1 in 3 found a new job or earned a higher income.

“We are working toward digital liberation for Black and Brown communities in D.C. by providing devices and resources to children and families with the greatest need,” said Maurice Cook, executive director of Serve Your City and lead organizer for Ward 6 Mutual Aid. “This is about addressing structural inequities through a mutual aid model where neighbors – including returning citizens and unhoused residents – can learn new skills, earn money and fulfill a direct need while being tech heroes in their own communities.”

Comcast’s Digital Navigator program with Serve Your City/Ward 6 Mutual Aid is part of Project UP, Comcast’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. Backed by a $1 billion commitment to reach tens of millions of people, Project UP encompasses the programs and community partnerships across Comcast, NBCUniversal, and Sky that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility, and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators.

Filed Under: Community Impact

Customer Experience

Faces of Beltway: Meet Robert, an Xfinity Sales Professional!

December 8, 2022

We’re proud to highlight employees who work to deliver a great customer experience across the Beltway Region every day. Today, we’re putting a spotlight on … Read More...

Community Impact

Comcast Awards $15K and 50 Laptops to Catholic Charities DC

January 25, 2023

Comcast has awarded $15,000 and 50 laptops to Catholic Charities DC to help community members at the organization with broadband adoption, digital skills … Read More...

Comcast Business

Comcast Business Further Expands Fiber-Rich Broadband Network in Virginia to Hundreds More Businesses with $3 Million Investment

November 17, 2022

Comcast Business announced a $3 million investment to expand its smart, fast and reliable fiber-rich network in Charlottesville, Chesterfield, Fredericksburg, … Read More...

Products & Services

Comcast Makes Connecting to the Internet Faster and Easier with WiFi Ready Properties

January 5, 2022

Internet connectivity is a “must have” for people today. So it’s no surprise that more than 70 percent of multifamily housing residents surveyed recently cited … Read More...

Terms of Service. Privacy Policy. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Copyright © 2023 Comcast Corporation. All rights reserved.

Comcast Logo

This site uses cookies to enable your digital experience. By continuing to use this site, you agree to the use of cookies as described in our Privacy Policy.

I agree
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
Powered by CookieYes Logo