Mediacom helps close digital divide for Williamson County students 126 local families use Connect2Compete to access online learning
MARION - With the help of Mediacom Communications, 126 families in Williamson County gained access to low-cost, high-speed internet service to help meet their children's educational needs and access online learning.
When parents and students faced the challenge of starting the 2020-21 school year amid a pandemic, more families chose to participate in a Mediacom program created to help income-challenged families connect to a low-cost, home internet service.
The program, known as Connect2Compete (C2C), currently is used by 53 student families in Marion and another 53 families in Herrin. Additional subscribers live in Carterville, Bush, Colp, Hurst, and Johnston City.
"The goal is to close digital divides, and we're making progress one household at a time because most of the families requesting this service were not previously connected to reliable or affordable internet service at home. Instead, their kids had to find other locations when internet resources were needed to complete homework assignments," said Mediacom Area Operations Director Joe Dijulio.
Connect2Compete is available in all areas where Mediacom delivers broadband service. The main criterion for eligibility is that at least one child in the household qualifies for the free or reduced-price school lunch program.
The flat-fee cost for a C2C internet subscription is $9.95 per month. Mediacom waives all fees associated with installation and modem rental and does not require participants to sign a contract or pay a deposit.
"Mediacom made a commitment to invest company resources in a meaningful way that helps low-income families gain the connectivity they need to support their children's education," Dijulio said. "Today, in a COVID-19 world, a connection to our fiber-based network is more essential than ever, and our broadband technicians take pride in every installation that brings Connect2Compete to local students in Williamson County and elsewhere."
Throughout Illinois, approximately 1,500 families benefit from the subsidized program, and Mediacom continues to connect more eligible families. An online site provides information and a signup form at mediacomc2c.com
Families can also signup by calling C2C service representatives at (855) 904-2225.