Back-to-school today means more than new backpacks and supplies. With assignments, class projects, and teacher updates moving online, a reliable internet connection has become a back-to-school essential.
Why it matters: A dependable internet connection — both at home and in the classroom — helps students stay on top of assignments, access classroom resources, and build the digital skills that are now central to education and everyday life.
That’s why broadband providers, schools, and communities are working together to ensure every student can benefit from digital learning opportunities. Here are three ways those efforts are making a difference.
Internet Assistance Programs for Families
To help more families stay connected for school and everyday life, broadband providers offer programs that provide discounted internet service to eligible households:
- Comcast’s Internet Essentials: Plans start at $14.95/month for qualifying families, with higher-speed options available. Includes free installation and access to digital literacy resources.
- Cox’s Connect2Compete: $9.95/month for households with at least one K–12 student participating in NSLP, SNAP, or other federal assistance programs.
- Spectrum’s Internet Assist: $25/month for households with at least one child in NSLP or someone receiving SSI.
- Lifeline: A federal program that provides a monthly discount on phone or internet service based on household income or participation in government assistance programs.
Ensuring Students Have the Devices to Learn
Connectivity matters most when students also have the tools to use it. That’s why broadband providers partner with schools, school districts, and community groups to put devices directly into students’ hands — ensuring they’re equipped to succeed in today’s classrooms.
- McDuffie County, GA: This summer, Comcast donated 80 laptops to students at Thomson High School. Superintendent Dr. Mychele Rhodes underscored the impact: “For many of our students in our community, the receipt of this laptop today is a changing factor for them for access to educational opportunities.
- Humboldt, TN: Charter teamed up with the local Boys & Girls Club to distribute laptops and supplies during a back-to-school event. Mayor Marvin Sikes shared: “We just want to make sure our kids feel good about going to school, and they get what they need to start their year off.”
Expanding High-Speed Internet Access
Broadband providers already connect millions of American families to high-speed internet. At the same time, they continue to expand networks into rural and underserved areas — ensuring more households can get online for school, work, and everyday life.
With the support of federal programs and ongoing private investment, these expansion efforts bring new opportunities nationwide.
Expanding high-speed internet not only helps students but also strengthens local economies and ensures every family, regardless of location, can participate fully in today’s digital world.
The Future of Learning
Internet access is no longer a luxury — it’s a back-to-school essential.
A reliable connection helps students finish homework, join virtual lessons, research projects, and collaborate with classmates, while also building the digital skills they’ll need for college, careers, and life in a connected world.
Find more about how broadband strengthens digital learning at Beyond’s Distance Learning page.