Low-Cost Broadband Internet For Boston

Hundreds of low-income Boston families are expected to benefit from a program intended to expand access to low-cost, high-speed Internet services.

Comcast Corp. will provide broadband Internet services to schools, libraries, youth centers, public housing, senior and community centers as well as 2,800 eligible families.

Among the beneficiaries are graduates of computer literacy programs funded in part by $4.3 million in stimulus funds from the Department of Commerce's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.

Sen. John Kerry. Rep. Michael Capuano, Mayor Thomas Menino and other officials are announcing the broadband program Friday.

Kerry says access to high- speed Internet is "issue No. 1" because it simplifies everything from finding a job to taking a class.

Menino says access to the Internet too frequently creates a divide between the "haves" and "have-nots."

"This is about connecting people with the outside world," he said. "It's a great equalizer for us. This is what we want to do, make sure everyone has opportunities to use technology in our city."

With reporting from the WBUR Newsroom and the Associated Press.