Comcast announced that it is doubling the download speed of its Internet Essentials program, the company’s broadband service for low-income families, and will begin providing in-home WiFi service, including a WiFi router, at no additional cost. Internet Essentials was created to provide easier access to the Internet and close the digital divide that separates communities into information haves- and have-nots, based on socio-economic conditions. Internet Essentials has been available in Comcast’s Greater Chicago Region (Central and Northern IL, NW Indiana and SW Michigan) and across the company’s entire service area since 2011. Internet Essentials will increase speed to 10 Mbps downstream, giving program participants free WiFi routers they can use to extend the Internet service in their homes and connect more devices. To get the router, participants need to call 1-855-8-INTERNET. To receive the faster Internet speed, customers simply need to reboot their cable modems. Existing customers who would like a WiFi router just need to call the dedicated call center and either request to have one shipped to them for free, or they can schedule a professional installation, also for no additional cost. New customers will have the option to receive a WiFi router when they sign up.