Cox doubling speed of low-cost internet programs in Arizona, across nation
Mar 20, 2022, 6:30 AM | Updated: Mar 24, 2022, 9:14 am
(Pexels Photo)
(Pexels Photo)
PHOENIX — Cox Communications announced Wednesday it is increasing the speed of its low-cost internet programs later this month.
The ConnectAssist and Connect2Compete programs will be boosted from 50 Mbps to 100 Mbps for no additional cost on March 31, according to a press release.
The more than 500,000 customers that use the programs nationwide will only need to reset their routers to see the speed difference.
“The power of public and private partnerships like these announced today, demonstrate our shared commitment to ensure that Arizona households, where money is tight, have access to high-speed internet,” Percy Kirk, southwest region manager and senior vice president of Cox Communications, said in the release.
The programs are available for people who participate in eligible income-based government assistance programs.
ConnectAssist eligibility was expanded to match the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program and provide a $30 a month subsidy to customers who are at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Connect2Compete is available for $9.95 a month to families with children in K-12 who are receiving government assistance.
“The speed increase for our affordability programs and expanded eligibility for more Arizona families are another step in our commitment to internet connectivity for all who need it,” Kirk said.
It is the second boost for the Connect2Compete program in the last two years, with the company increasing the speed from 25 Mbps to 50 Mbps in March 2020 to support families in need amid education moving online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I applaud companies like Cox that are laser-focused on expanding access to affordable high-speed internet in our community,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said in the release. “Students and families faced with financial challenges must have a fast and reliable broadband connection for education, healthcare and employment.
“It takes commitment and partnership from companies like Cox to ensure that their access to the internet is not limited by their economic status.”
The company serves approximately 2.5 million subscribers in the metro Phoenix area, according to the release.
