Free high-speed internet coming to Durham for some residents
DURHAM (WTVD) -- Some Durham public housing residents will soon get a chance to get free high-speed internet access.
The program, called ConnectHome, was just launched by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
ConnectHome is teaming up with several partners, including Google Fiber. The initial plan is to roll it out in four cities, including Durham. The other cities are Atlanta, Kansas City, and Nashville, which are all Google Fiber markets.
The HUD secretary, Julian Castro, came to Durham on Thursday to talk about the project. He says making sure all kids are prepared for the digital world is the ultimate goal, regardless of zip code.
"The stakes are very clear that in this, 21st century families need 21st century tools to thrive, and ConnectHome is going to provide those tools," Castro said.
Google says as many as 26 percent of households earning less than $30,000 per year don't have internet access.
For the residents, there will be no monthly cost and no installation fee.
The program will be expanded to other Google Fiber markets in the future.
