[1st-mile-nm] CenturyLink Introduces Internet Basics for Low-Income Consumers

[Richard Lowenberg]

 The following CenturyLink PR is of note to this list
 as it includes Farmington among first round program communities.
 Not sure which Las Vegas (NV or NM) is also in the first round ?
 CenturyLink NM representatives may want to add comments to this list.
 RL


 CenturyLink Introduces Internet Basics for Low-Income Consumers

 http://news.centurylink.com/index.php?s=43&item=2860

 CenturyLink, a leading Internet service provider, also is offering 
 affordable computers and free technology training through the Internet 
 Basics program

 Oct 3, 2011

 MONROE, La., Oct. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- CenturyLink, Inc. (NYSE: 
 CTL), one of the nation's leading Internet service providers, today 
 introduced CenturyLink Internet Basics to improve and promote broadband 
 adoption and use by low-income consumers.

 To help get more low-income households online, CenturyLink is offering 
 discounted High-Speed Internet service starting at $9.95 a month, plus 
 applicable taxes and fees, to eligible consumers in the 37 states where 
 it has local operations. The service provides access up to 1.5 Mbps 
 downstream capability. Higher bandwidth services, where available, are 
 offered at a comparable discount.

 CenturyLink also is offering program participants an Internet-ready 
 netbook computer for $150, plus taxes, shipping and handling. The new 
 equipment includes access to CenturyLink at Ease™, a comprehensive suite of 
 backup, security and support services.

 "While the Internet has become part of daily life for most Americans, 
 many still aren't connected because the cost is beyond their reach. 
 CenturyLink is pleased to introduce this new program that offers 
 affordable High-Speed Internet service and computers to those who need 
 help getting online," said CenturyLink CEO and President Glen F. Post, 
 III.

 In addition, CenturyLink is arranging basic computer education and 
 technology training at no additional cost to Internet Basics customers. 
 The classes are being offered through community groups and senior 
 centers, as well as schools, libraries, and other state and local 
 institutions, in more than 100 markets throughout the country.

 The first phase of the free computer learning program is starting this 
 fall in Foley, Ala.; Dumas, Ark.; Eagle, Colo.; Tallahassee, Fla.; 
 Phoenix; Galesburg, Ill.; Franklin, Ind.; Billings and Great Falls, 
 Mont.; Las Vegas; Farmington, N.M.; Rockingham, N.C.; Lorain, Ohio; 
 Columbia River Gorge, Ore.;  Greenwood, S.C.; Seattle and Yakima, Wash.; 
 and Glenwood  City, Wis. Other communities where the training is taking 
 place will be announced in 2012.

 "Technology training and education are essential for competing and 
 succeeding in the world's expanding digital economy," Post said. 
 "Through this program, CenturyLink is increasing the availability of 
 Internet access, tools and resources for bringing new opportunities to 
 families in our communities."

 Participation in CenturyLink Internet Basics is determined by the 
 criteria for the Lifeline Affordable Telephone Service, a federal 
 program currently offered by CenturyLink that provides discounts on 
 basic monthly telephone service to eligible low-income consumers.

 According to a study on broadband adoption by the Federal 
 Communications Commission, 60 percent of low-income households, which 
 are defined as having annual incomes of less than $20,000, do not 
 subscribe to High-Speed Internet service, compared to 35 percent of the 
 entire U.S. population. Among those Americans who do not have broadband 
 at home, 36 percent said it was because of the cost of the service and 
 equipment, and 22 percent cited a "lack of digital literacy."

 For more information about CenturyLink Internet Basics, please visit 
 http://www.centurylink.com/internetbasics



-- 
 Richard Lowenberg
 1st-Mile Institute
 Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504
 505-989-9110 / 505-603-5200
 www.1st-mile.com   rl at 1st-mile.com