Poor Households to Get Cheap Internet

Low-income households will soon have access to cheaper broadband Internet service. Cable companies announced today that they will offer broadband service for $9.95 to homes with children who are eligible for free school lunches. The program, called Connect-to-Compete, also includes a Microsoft promise to sell PCs with the Office suite for $250 and a Morgan Stanley microfinance program to help people who can’t afford those prices. Best Buy, Microsoft, and nonprofits are also promising to offer technology training. The National Cable & Telecommunications Association says about 5.5 million homes that don’t have broadband will be eligible.