Charter Expands Free 60-Day Broadband Internet, Wifi Offer to Include More Educators

Charter Communications, which provides internet service in Pasadena under the Spectrum branding, is expanding its 60-day free offer for broadband Internet and WiFi access to include educators – K-12 teachers and college or university professors – who do not already have a Spectrum account.

“During this unprecedented time, with the COVID-19 pandemic having forced schools, colleges and universities to close, it is more important than ever for students and educators to stay connected while they teach and learn,” the company said in a statement Monday.

Earlier, Charter Communications said it was offering the 60-day free internet and WiFi access to students, recognizing the need to ensure their customers are able to maintain reliable access to the online resources and information.

The company also committed to continue offering Spectrum Internet Assist, a high-speed broadband program delivering speeds of up to 30 mbps, to eligible low-income households, and to opening its WiFi hotspots for public use.

Charter also said it will not terminate service for residential or small business customers who face difficult economic circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic, nor charge late fees for those customers.

The company maintains Spectrum News to ensure people have access to news and information. The statement said Charter Communications has donated airtime to run 1,000 COVID-19 public service announcement (PSA) spots per week, including on all Spectrum News Networks, for four weeks to some 16 million video subscribers and on their digital video and streaming apps.

Charter will also run PSAs for the American Red Cross and other relief organizations.

“As the country works collaboratively to contain this pandemic, broadband Internet access will be increasingly essential to ensure that people across the country are able to learn and work remotely, that businesses can continue to serve customers, and Americans stay connected and engaged with family and friends,” the company said.

Educators who live in a Spectrum service area and who do not currently have broadband are advised to call Spectrum at (844) 488-8395 to sign up. A free self-installation kit will be provided to new student and educator households, the statement said.