ATLANTA, Oct. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Communications announced today that it is increasing speeds of its national broadband adoption program, Connect2Compete. The new speeds will be up to five times faster for both new and existing Cox customers who participate in the Connet2Compete program. The company launched the national initiative for low-income earlier this year and is delivering the new speeds up to 5 Mbps at the same $9.95 monthly rate.

The partnership between Cox Communications and Connect2Compete offers discounted Internet service to families with children who qualify for the National Free School Lunch program. In addition to offering Essential Cox High Speed Internet service to eligible families for the significantly reduced fee, Cox also continues to include free installation and waves modem rental fees.

"We know many applications, including websites students use for their educational experience, require more bandwidth. Increasing speeds at no additional cost to our Connect2Compete customers is just another way Cox continues its commitment to closing the digital divide and allowing all students to compete today and in the future," said Cox Communications President Pat Esser.

According to the Pew Research Center, less than half of low-income K-12 students across America have broadband at home compared to more than 90 percent of higher-income families.  What's more, nearly 30% of all Americans – approximately 100 million people – risk becoming increasingly isolated from contemporary life because they lack the Internet service and the skills necessary to use it effectively.

These and other startling statistics are the impetus for Connect2Compete, a national not-for-profit initiative aiming to bring students and families online by providing discounted high-speed Internet, low-cost computers and free digital literacy training to families.

For more information on Cox's Connect2Compete offer, visit www.connect2compete.org/Cox.   

Broadband Adoption Programs Part of Cox Legacy

Broadband adoption programs have been an important part of Cox's legacy.  In fact, the Connect2Compete program is modeled after a broadband adoption program Cox started in Santa Barbara, CA in 1999.

Cox first partnered Connect2Compete in April 2012, rolling out the discounted internet offer to eligible families in San Diego, CA. In the fall of that year, it expanded the program to five additional markets, closing the divide for families and children in Macon, GA; Providence, RI; New Orleans, Lafayette and Baton Rouge, LA; and Oklahoma City, OK. 

See more on Cox's commitment to broadband adoption in this video in the Cox YouTube press room: Cox History of Broadband Adoption

About Connect2Compete

Connect2Compete (C2C) is a national nonprofit that aims to eliminate the digital divide by making high-speed, low-cost Internet, computers, and free digital literacy accessible to all unconnected Americans. Technology and digital skills are essential to ensure future generations can compete in the global economy and to prepare them for the 21st century workforce. C2C aims to leverage the democratizing power of the Internet to provide opportunity to all Americans – regardless of age, race, geography, income, or education level. For more information, please visit www.connect2compete.org.

About Cox Communications

Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet, telephone and wireless services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves 6.2 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising. Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For seven years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; for five years, Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity, and the company holds a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.

Video with caption: "Cox History of Broadband Adoption". Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uN9CKqMXRA

SOURCE Cox Communications