Comcast to Open Two Veteran-Serving, WiFi-Connected, Laptop-Equipped “Lift Zones” in Houston
Combined Arms and U.S. VETS to host free, robust WiFi at their facilities for veterans and community members to get online to learn digital skills and use the Internet
Comcast announced plans to open two more WiFi-connected, laptop-equipped Lift Zones at Combined Arms and U.S. VETS. The new Lift Zones, which provide free, robust WiFi service powered by a Comcast Business solution, will enable thousands of veterans, family members, and the local community to take full advantage of all that the internet has to offer. Comcast will also equip each new Lift Zone with 50 laptop computers. Once these two sites are installed later this year, there will be a total of 52 Comcast Lift Zones across the Greater Houston area.
According to research by the Army University Press, many American military veterans face challenges with digital equity, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through these facilities, Comcast’s Lift Zones will help veterans to better access technology integral for career advancement and social connection. “Access to connectivity and digital skills are essential tools needed for today’s growing digital economy,” said Carol Eggert, Comcast’s senior vice president of Military and Veterans Affairs. “Working with our community partners on this effort, these Lift Zones will not only provide veterans and military families with internet access, but also support and enable them to participate in workforce development, telemedicine and more.” “The Comcast Lift Zone at U.S. VETS is a game-changer, not only because of the free and fast WiFi but also because of the free laptops from Comcast our members can utilize to make their lives better,” U.S. VETS Operations Manager Delilah Oates said. “This is a truly holistic approach to shrink the digital divide for the military community, in addition to the other affordable internet programs Comcast offers.” Combined Arms delivers innovative technology solutions to improve the quality of life for veterans and military families. They bring together veteran-focused nonprofits and agencies that are committed to helping those who serve. More than 200 organizations provide hundreds of resources that empower veterans to lead successful lives that will make the Houston community stronger than ever.
U.S. VETS works to help veterans and their families find homes by offering tailored support to gain independence. Since 1997, the Houston branch has opened three facilities that provide programs, services, and administrative support for the more than 1,100 veterans they work with every month.
“We make it a priority to create a workforce that’s inclusive of our military community and hold dear the partnerships that make a real difference in the lives of our military community,” Comcast Houston Regional Senior Vice President Ralph Martinez said. “We are proud to stand with Combined Arms and U.S. VETS to activate and equip the Lift Zones so that our nation’s heroes can unlock a future of unlimited possibilities.”
Lift Zones are part of Comcast’s continued dedication to supporting veterans, and their families, nationwide. Since 2011, Comcast has donated more than $191 million in cash and in-kind contributions to military community organizations. Comcast also employs more than 17,000 veterans, National Guard and reserve service members, and military spouses. In addition, in 2020, Comcast NBCUniversal was ranked number one on Military Times’ “Best for Vets: Employers List.”
Comcast’s tradition of hiring and supporting the military community started with its founder and World War II U.S. Navy Veteran Ralph Roberts. Comcast puts significant effort into supporting veterans and their families at all stages of their careers, which led to Comcast being named a 2022 Military Friendly® Employer as well as being named to the Top 10 lists for Military Friendly® Company, Brand and Supplier Diversity Program. Through its Lift Zone initiative, Comcast is installing free WiFi for those needing internet access in local community centers statewide. Some of the Houston and surrounding area community organizations that already have Lift Zones in their respective facilities include: Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, the City of Houston, and the City of Galveston. A full and interactive list of Comcast Lift Zones in the Houston area can be found here. Lift Zones complement Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, the company’s signature digital equity initiative and the nation’s largest and most comprehensive private-sector broadband adoption program. Since 2011, Internet Essentials has connected 1.2 million low-income individuals in Texas to broadband internet.
The donation is also part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to reach millions of people with the tools, resources, and skills needed to succeed in a digital world. For more information about Comcast’s comprehensive connectivity program for low-income Americans visit https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up.