Low-income Arizona families’ Cox internet speed to take jump this week

PHOENIX – Low-income families in Arizona will get a boost in their internet speed starting Friday, under an agreement between public schools and Cox Communications.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman said Tuesday that speeds would temporarily be doubled to a plan that provides access to reliable internet services to homes of schoolchildren in need.

“During the current COVID-19 spike, many students and teachers are returning to distance learning, once again needing to rely on their at-home internet service provider,” Hoffman said in the press release.

“I am thankful that Cox Communications promptly responded to my request to provide low-income students and families with higher internet speeds,” she said.

State health officials recommend hybrid learning, which includes distance learning, for schools during the coronavirus pandemic.

Higher speeds for Connect2Compete will be available to eligible participants through the rest of the school year.

The program is dedicated to families who receive government assistance and have children in grades K-12. The plan costs about $10 a month.

John Wolfe, southwest regional general manager for Cox, said in the release the company was committed to “ensuring that all kids in our service areas have access to broadband connectivity … and have the same opportunities to access information as their classmates.”

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