It might be hard to believe, but every household in America does not have a direct link to the Internet. They might have their own cell phone, desktop, or laptop computer to stay connected with friends and family, but no Internet access.

A recent study by Pew (News - Alert) called, ‘Teens and Technology 2013,’ found that one in five American adults (age 18 and older) do not use the Internet. The reasons behind the lack of Internet access vary. Pew said some of the numbers reflect the older generations, while others felt the Internet served them no purpose.

 “Senior citizens, those who prefer to take our interviews in Spanish rather than English, adults with less than a high school education, and those living in households earning less than $30,000 per year are the least likely adults to have internet access,” said Pew analysts.

“Among adults who do not use the Internet, almost half have told us that the main reason they don’t go online is because they don’t think the Internet is relevant to them. Most have never used the Internet before, and don’t have anyone in their household who does.”

To help bring connectivity into more homes, Comcast (News - Alert) has expanded its Internet Essentials program eligibility requirements making it easier for families with low-income students to receive affordable broadband, digital literacy training and computer access.

The program was designed specifically for low-income public school families. If eligible, students are able to get fast home Internet service in their house for just $9.95 per month. The program claims it will never increase its prices or activation costs. When you enroll, participants will also have the ability to purchase a computer for as little as $149.99 plus tax. The idea is to give students the chance to connect with one another and learn from the Internet.

Since creation, the program has help connect over 150,000 families, and with expanding to all students of low-income families, Comcast will reach millions. “By expanding eligibility beyond low-income families with students in public schools who received free or reduced lunch through the National School Lunch Program, Comcast in now making affordable broadband and computers, and free digital literacy training available to 2.6 million students and their families,” said Comcast.

To find out more about the program, Comcast has created an informational website: http://www.internetessentials.com/about