Comcast modestly raises slow internet speeds for low-income users because of coronavirus

Comcast is increasing the speed of its discounted internet service for low-income households to 25Mbps down, an increase from 15Mbps down. Upload speeds will be increased to 3Mbps from 2Mbps. Comcast is also beginning to offer a 60-day free trial of the service, which costs $9.95 per month.

The updates come in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Comcast says the goal is to ensure customers “will be able to use their Internet service for all their increased needs as a result of this health crisis.”

The service, called Internet Essentials, started in 2011 as a requirement of Comcast’s purchase of NBCUniversal. Comcast continued the service even once the requirement ended three years later, and it’s...

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