Comcast expands discount Internet service to public housing

Comcast is expanding its low-cost Internet Essentials program to residents of public housing.

However,  many in Philadelphia will not get the discount.

Public housing residents in five cities — including about 5,000 Philadelphia residents — will have an opportunity to receive Comcast’s high-speed Internet service for about $10 a month.  

Robert Smith, Comcast regional vice president of community investment, said the majority of people in Philadelphia Housing Authority facilities don’t qualify for the plan because Comcast doesn’t service their buildings.

“The majority of PHA homes are served by Wilco as their video provider,” Smith said. “They do not provide Internet service however.”

Nicole Tillman of the Philadelphia Housing Authority said those who do qualify for Comcast’s service primarily reside in the city’s scattered-site public housing.

According to Comcast, more than 24,000 families in the region are already taking advantage of the discount Internet service.