Comcast in 2021
Comcast is looking back at its 2021 milestones, including introduction of advanced Wi-Fi technology capable of delivering the fastest speeds.
In addition, Comcast invested $26 million in the last two years to expand its network throughout Greater Philadelphia and New Jersey, directly reaching nearly 4,000 businesses and benefiting thousands more by making the network more accessible and affordable.
Also, Comcast launched streaming services like Disney+ and ESPN+ on X1 and Flex and enhanced its Xfinity Mobile service. That same service was provided to its small business customers with the new Comcast Business Mobile.
In all, there are more than 30 Xfinity stores in the region. Also, Xfinity Rewards gives special perks and discounts to customers.
Comcast RISE supports small businesses owned by “people of color.” In 2021, Comcast provided more than 500 people with free marketing or technology services and awarded 100 small businesses in Philadelphia and Chester with $10,000 investment grants to support them through the pandemic recovery.
This year was the 10th anniversary of Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, the nation’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption effort for low-income households, which has connected a cumulative total of 840,000 individuals across the region since 2011. The cost is just $9.95 a month.
Beyond Literacy, The Welcoming Center and SEAMAAC received 1,000 free laptops and a $30,000 donation split among the organizations.
Comcast partnered with Goodwill Industries of Southern New Jersey & Philadelphia to launch a WiFi-connected Lift Zone, donating grants totaling $35,000 and distributing 500 free laptops.
This year, Comcast equipped more than 125 community spaces in the region with WiFi-connected Lift Zones. Lift Zones are part of Project UP, Comcast’s initiative to advance “digital equity.”
Comcast is supporting the federal government’s Emergency Broadband Benefit. This temporary benefit program is designed to help qualified low-income households receive a credit of up to $50 per month toward their internet service until the program’s funding runs out.
Other community investments during 2021 included supporting the Preston & Steve Show’s Camp Out for Hunger benefitting Philabundance; donating $400,000 to Greater Philadelphia food banks to tackle food insecurity; contributing $325,000 to three Philadelphia and New Jersey nonprofits impacted by Hurricane Ida; and working with the City of Philadelphia and other philanthropic partners to provide internet through PHLConnectED — enabling more than 18,000 connections so far.
Indoor flea market opening
A new indoor flea market will be open weekends from January through March at the Roosevelt Mall, 2329 Cottman Ave., next to Rainbow.
The grand opening will be on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 1 and 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Indoor spaces are $50.
For more information, visit PhilaFleaMarkets.org.
Portside classes at Cherry Street Pier
Portside Arts Center will host upcoming kids, teen and adult classes at Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Columbus Blvd.
Children’s Saturday Class will be held on Saturdays, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for ages 4 to 10. Cost is $15 per class or $55 for four classes.
Teen Portfolio Building Workshop will be held on Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for ages 11 to 17. Cost is $20 per class or $70 for four classes.
Figure Drawing Adult Class will be held on Thursdays, from Jan. 5-25, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $125.
For more details or to enroll, visit www.portsideartscenter.org or call 215-427-1514.
