Comcast Seeks Community Partners for WiFi-Connected “Lift Zones” in Southern Arizona

As students and families across Southern Arizona look forward to summer break, Comcast is equipping multiple locations across the greater Tucson area with WiFi-connected “Lift Zones” before the end of 2021. As part of its ongoing commitment to help connect low-income families to the Internet so they can fully participate in educational opportunities and the digital economy, Comcast is providing robust, free WiFi in nonprofit, community, and city partner locations. The Lift Zone initiative provides free connectivity inside partner centers for the next three years.   

Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson was one of the first Lift Zones installed in Southern Arizona. The Pascua Yaqui Clubhouse has utilized their Lift Zone to keep students connected to important resources during the past school year and will continue to be a critical connection point for students throughout the summer.  

"Equipping our Pascua Yaqui Clubhouse with a Lift Zone has made a huge difference in the lives of the students we serve,” said Adam Ortiz, Clubhouse Director. “While some of our students have an internet connection at home, staying at home during the summer days often isn’t possible. The clubhouse is a safe space where students can come to connect to the internet, and with each other.” 

Comcast is currently accepting nominations for potential Lift Zone sites across Southern Arizona. Community partners can visit arizona.comcast.com/lift-zones to learn more and nominate their organization.  

"Access to the Internet is a critical component of digital equity, and we’re proud to partner with key community organizations in making that possible through our Lift Zones,” said Chris Dunkeson, Area Vice President, Comcast. “There is no single answer to address the digital divide, but we’re working hard to bridge the gap for as many students and families in our Southern Arizona service footprint as possible.” 

Lift Zones complement Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, which has helped connect millions of low-income people to the Internet at home, including 11,600 in Southern Arizona.  

Today’s announcement comes on the heels of Comcast’s recent $1 billion commitment over the next 10 years to help further close the digital divide and give even more low-income students and families the tools and resources they need to succeed in a digital world.