Letter to the Editor: Income-challenged familes with K-12 students can get help with the cost of internet service

(The following Letter to the Editor has been submitted by Mediacom Decorah Supervisor of Technical Operations Ryan Ayers):

"COVID-19 has caused us to adjust to new ways of working and learning.  The learning part is especially critical for K-12 students who rely on the internet for education that shifted from classrooms to kitchen tables.

Reliable internet broadband service is essential. Mediacom Connect2Compete (C2C) continues to offer a low-cost, high-speed internet service to families who have at least one K-12 student who is eligible for free or reduced school lunches. A high percentage of families in our community is eligible.

In Winneshiek County, 11 families currently use Connect2Compete. We know there are more who could benefit.  This is a community investment my company makes to promote educational access and keep students learning. When the coronavirus pandemic started, Mediacom offered 60 days of free internet service to eligible new C2C families. This incentive is still available for those who sign-up by August 20th. The regular monthly cost is a flat $9.95 per month, with no contract, no deposit, no equipment fee. C2C is widely available in all areas with Mediacom broadband service.

Please help income-challenged families with K-12 students know that this resource is available and is making a positive community impact. More information is available at www.mediacomC2C.com.