A communications company that serves several communities in southern Illinois is trying to expand educational opportunities for low-income families.
Two years ago, Mediacom launched a product called Connect 2 Compete. It's designed to make home internet service affordable for families with students in grades K through 12.
Spokesperson Phyllis Peters says it's a way for Mediacom to give back to the communities it serves.
"It makes sense for us to give back something that is our primary product, broadband, and to do it in the communities where we have so many customers and such longstanding relationships. We want to meet a need."
Peters says there are few requirements to qualify.
"People just need to have sons or daughters in grades K through 12 who qualify for free or reduced lunches. They need to live in a Mediacom service area, which means close to our network and then we will be glad to connect this service."
Peters says 79 families in southern Illinois are using the service, which is also available over the summer.