As a condition of Comcast’s acquisition of NBC, the folks at Kabletown have created Internet Essentials, which offers internet access to low-income families for $9.95/month so long as they meet certain criteria.

To be eligible for the program, the family must:
* Be located where Comcast offers Internet service
* Have at least one child eligible to receive a free school lunch under the National School Lunch Program (Ex. A household of three would have to make less than $25,000 a year)
* Not have an overdue Comcast bill or unreturned equipment
* Have not subscribed to Comcast Internet service within the last 90 days

Once a family is deemed eligible, they remain eligible so long as they continue to meet the free school lunch criterion.

In addition to the cheap internet access, Comcast can not increase the price or charge fees for activation fees or equipment rental. Essentials customers will also receive a voucher to purchase a low-cost computer for $149.99 + tax.

Comcast will be taking new Essentials customers through the end of the 2013-14 school year.

More information is available at InternetEssentials.com.

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.