Charter Sets Industry Standard With New Low Cost, High-Speed Broadband for U.S. Families, Seniors

Stamford, Conn.– Charter Communications today announced the launch of a new standalone low-cost, high-speed broadband service, titled Spectrum Internet Assist, for hundreds of thousands of American seniors and families of students across its national footprint. Spectrum Internet Assist will deliver industry-leading 30/4 Mbps broadband speeds for $14.99 per month, plus taxes and fees.

Charter’s new Spectrum Internet Assist service is the only low-cost broadband offering for low-income households that exceeds the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) definition of “high-speed” internet.

“Charter is excited to bring a whole new world of digital access and opportunity to hundreds of thousands of low income families and seniors. Spectrum Internet Assist is an important next step in providing true high-speed connections to those who would otherwise continue to face digital inequality in this country. It’s important 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.”

Starting today, Spectrum Internet Assist will be available throughout Charter’s legacy service area, and will continue to be rolled out market by market with a goal of covering the remaining Charter footprint by mid-2017.

To assist consumers with the eligibility process and enrollment, Charter has launched a new dedicated Spectrum Internet Assist website:www.SpectrumInternetAssist.com. Prospective enrollees may also call the Spectrum Internet Assist toll-free helpline at 1-844-525-1574 for assistance.

What’s the offer?

• $14.99/mo. for a 30/4Mbps speed package
  • Includes all standard Internet features; i.e. security suite, mailboxes, etc.
  • Includes a modem at no extra cost and free self-install.
• $5.00/month for Charter WiFi
  • Includes a router
  • Activation fee waived
  • Rate will not be increased during the life of the program
•  Additional Services
  • Spectrum Internet Assist may be bundled with other services; the Spectrum Internet Assist rate does not change (i.e. the “Triple Play” bundle – Spectrum Internet Assist /voice/TV service starts at $74.97)
  • Standard/promotional installation rates for TV and voice service apply
  • Standard billing and collection processes apply

Who’s eligible to sign-up for Spectrum Internet Assist?

• Families with students who participate in the National School Lunch Program
  Seniors who are 65 and older who receive Supplemental Security Income program benefits

Additional Criteria:

• Current phone and video customers who meet one of the two criteria above can enroll
• Prospective Spectrum Internet Assist enrollees cannot have had a Charter/Time Warner Cable/Bright House Network broadband subscription within 60 days of signing up
• Prospective enrollees will not be denied participation in the program due to a bad credit score, but they must clear any outstanding debt incurred within the last year with Charter, Time Warner Cable or Bright House Networks in order to be eligible.

Widespread Support for Charter’s Spectrum Internet Assist Service

“The National Urban League supports Charter’s launch of Spectrum Internet Assist, a low-cost and high-speed service for low-income families. This program will not only provide broadband access to individuals in need, but it will also allow subscribers to be competitive at work and school via the exceptionally high-speed service they will receive. Spectrum Internet Assist will go a long way to closing the gulf that exists between those with internet access and those without it.”

“NBCSL commends Charter on their announcement of the Spectrum Internet Assist program which is the only high-speed, low-cost broadband program for households across the country. Thanks to the Spectrum Internet Assist program, young children, families and seniors will be able to use technology to transform their daily lives. Closing the digital divide and broadening access will create transformative change in our communities across the nation. We will continue to encourage the development of innovative methods and strategies in delivering broadband to the underserved.”

“The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) congratulates Charter Communications on the launching of its new Spectrum Internet Assist low cost broadband offering. This is exactly the kind of affordable high speed broadband service that will provide low-income families the opportunity to benefit from America’s digital economy.”

“NOBEL Women commends Charter on the launch of their Spectrum Internet Assist program which will provide low-cost, high-speed broadband service to underserved American families, students and seniors across the country. As NOBEL Women continues to advocate for closing the digital divide, we’re glad to have Charter as a partner with our advocacy.”

“The cost to consumers for high-speed broadband access is prohibitively high for families who struggle to make ends meet, and they miss out on the opportunities broadband access affords us – access to jobs, education, healthcare, civic engagement, and more. Charter’s new Spectrum Internet Assist program is welcome news for families struggling to access the 21st century tools for advancement that the rest of the nation takes for granted.”