President Obama Highlights Cox's Leadership in Internet Access for Low-Income Students and Families

Company Plans to Connect 100,000 Low-Income Americans to Connect2Compete Program in 2016

ATLANTA, March 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today President Barack Obama unveiled ConnectALL, an initiative to help Americans from across the country, at every income level, get online and have the tools to take full advantage of the Internet.  As part of the announcement, Cox Communications was recognized for new investments it is making in Connect2Compete, its discounted Internet service program for low-income K-12 families. 

"Today's digital classrooms are tomorrow's connected businesses. The investments we are making in closing the digital divide help ensure our students are prepared for their careers and life-long success after school," said Cox Communications President Pat Esser. "Together with partners like Univision, we are committed to closing the homework gap for all students, no matter where they live."

With a focus on making the process even easier for every eligible low-income family with K-12 children in its footprint, the company will host more than 200 events across the country in 2016, signing up at least 100,000 low-income Americans for the program. Later this year, the company will launch a media campaign in partnership with Univision, promoting discounted internet service and digital literacy tools available to Hispanic families through Univision's stations and across Cox's media properties. The campaign will reach Cox's six million customers nationwide through live programming, public service announcements and community events in such markets as Phoenix, Las Vegas and San Diego.

Cox is a founding partner of the Connect2Compete program, and has connected nearly 160,000 people to the Internet in the last four years. K-12 families who are eligible for the National Free School Lunch program, TANF and SNAP benefits are eligible. Public housing residents in Macon, Georgia; Meriden, Conn.; Baton Rouge and New Orleans, La. also are eligible through the company's support of ConnectHome, the US Housing and Urban Development pilot program that seeks to increase Internet adoption among public housing residents.

Connect2Compete is promoted in partnership with dozens of community organizations, agencies and community leaders across the company's 18-state footprint. The company's public service campaign focuses on the impact the Internet has on school performance. "Smart Tools for School" is a campaign that shows how Internet access at home can boost confidence and curiosity, ultimately increasing classroom performance. 

In addition to providing access to Internet service in the home, Cox has been a National Technology Partner of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for more than a decade, funding more than 75 Cox Technology Centers across its 18-state footprint. Its commercial services division, Cox Business, provides Internet services to more than 7,400 schools serving 4 million students. 

About Cox Communications

Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet, telephone and home security and automation services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable company, Cox serves approximately six 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 eight years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity nine times, including the last eight years. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.

SOURCE Cox Communications

For further information: Amy Quinn, 404-269-5728, Amy.Quinn@Cox.com