Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman and Cox Communications today announced a critical increase in the speed of Cox’s Connect2Compete internet service. Starting this Friday, December 11th, Cox will temporarily double the Connect2Compete speed to 50 mbps/download for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year in all Cox markets, giving families and students peace of mind to complete schoolwork, communicate with teachers, and have the same opportunities to access information as their classmates. The Connect2Compete plan is a low-cost internet plan designed to augment the educational opportunities of low-income children who do not have a reliable and affordable internet connection at home. This Cox internet package is offered to students and families receiving government assistance such as reduced or free school lunch, SNAP benefits, or public housing.
“During the current COVID-19 spike, many students and teachers are returning to distance learning, once again needing to rely on their at-home internet service provider,” said Superintendent Hoffman. “I am thankful that Cox Communications promptly responded to my request to provide low-income students and families with higher internet speeds.”
At the onset of COVID-19, Cox moved quickly to enhance their offer of Connect2Compete internet service to eliminate restrictions on enrollment and to provide two months of free service for all new families who have enrolled in the service. Currently, thousands of Arizona students are receiving Connet2Compete internet service in communities which Cox serves in the metro Phoenix area, Pinal County and Southern Arizona.
“Cox remains committed to ensuring that all kids in our service areas have access to broadband connectivity so that they can do homework, communicate with their teachers and have the same opportunities to access information as their classmates,” said John Wolfe, Southwest Regional General Manager, Cox Communications. “We thank Superintendent Hoffman for her leadership and partnership in working with the Cox team to advocate for the unique needs of our students during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Superintendent Hoffman and Cox Communications look forward to continuing to find innovative solutions to support students throughout the COVID-19 crisis, and beyond.
Families can qualify for Connect2Compete easily from anywhere whether on their mobile device or desktop by visiting cox.com/c2c . Eligible participants signing up before December 31, 2020 will receive two months of free service and pay $9.95 monthly going forward.
