Cox continues its commitment to bridge the online learning divide by helping K-12 students, teachers and their families as they learn and teach from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To do this, Cox offers a low-cost home internet program – Connect2Compete – to qualified families who have at least one K-12 student in the home, are eligible for the National School Lunch Program, or receive government assistance from programs like SNAP, TANF, WIC and public housing. Connect2Compete has no annual contracts or deposits and includes free Wi-Fi modem rental and installation for new Cox customers.

“Cox understands the importance of serving the communities  in which our employees and customers live and work. For us, philanthropy is a mission and an opportunity to use our time, talent and technology in ways that strengthen cities, businesses and future generations,” said Susan Anable, vice president public affairs for Cox Communications, Southwest Region.

For a limited time, Cox is offering NEW qualified families who sign up by December 31, 2020 the first two months of service FREE, with regular Connect2Compete service rates of $9.95 per month applying thereafter. Families may qualify and learn more by visiting www.cox.com/connect2compete.

“Supporting educational initiatives is one of the ways we can make a difference for our community,” Anable said.

“By using our technology, Cox can enhance the educational experience, build a more level playing field for all families and invest in long-term community success,” Anable said.

Cox also is suspending late fees and extending payment relief offerings through June 30, 2021 for Connect2Compete customers who express an inability to pay due to coronavirus pandemic hardships.  

The company also is partnering with cities, school districts and community-based organizations to connect large numbers of students in low-income families to the internet, and provide a fast-track qualification process for Connect2Compete plan enrollment and service activation with schools. 

In addition to providing affordable internet through Connect2Compete, “we realize many students need equipment to get their work done,” Anable said.

“We continue to partner with local, regional and national organizations to provide discounted, refurbished laptops and accessories to families that qualify for the Connect2Compete program,” Anable said.

The James M. Cox Foundation recently awarded a $100,000 grant to PCs for People, a nonprofit dedicated to providing high-quality, discounted computers to low-income families across Cox’s footprint nationwide. For more information about refurbished computer equipment available through Cox’s association with PCs for People visit https://cox.pcsrefurbished.com/sales/salesHome.aspx.

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“We also recently announced a new digital learning platform available to Connect2Compete customers to keep kids engaged in academics,” Anable said.

“MyFuture is The Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s digital platform that empowers children and teens to learn new skills, share accomplishments and earn recognition and rewards via gamification in a safe and fun online environment,” Anable said.

Customers can easily access this tool in Cox’s Digital Academy, an online learning platform full of computer literacy tips, educational videos, tutorials and interactive games.

Cox Communications is taking necessary steps to ensure people, businesses and communities are supported during the COVID-19 pandemic, Anable said.

Cox has made several service enhancements to keep customers connected and support communities. For a full overview of Cox COVID-19 support, visit https://www.cox.com/residential/support/coronavirus-response.html.