Charter Communications (News - Alert), a broadband communications company and the fourth-largest cable operator in the United States and One Economy, a global non-profit organization that leverages the power of technology to improve the lives of low income people, have announced a partnership with local community agencies to bring free Internet and digital literacy training to up to 1,000 St Louis' low income residents.

 

'Charter's goal is to help the communities we serve achieve their digital potential,' Ted Schremp, Charter's executive vice president and chief marketing officer, said.

 

'Access to high-speed Internet service, affordable computers and online training support is a necessity in order to open doors for job training, better health care and educational opportunities. Charter is committed to helping St. Louis residents, regardless of income or education, improve their lives through the use of technology.'

 

Approximately $700,000 in high-speed Internet service, modems and digital literacy training over a 24-month period in collaboration with One Economy and local community partner agencies will be provided by Charter.

 

Charter and One Economy will utilize the resources of local partner agencies, such as long-time community development organization Better Family Life to identify households participating in the pilot program.

 

The initiative will assist with training, technical support and access to affordable computer equipment has also been joined by Habitat for Humanity, Central Bank of St. Louis and Computer Village.

 

'At One Economy, we are dedicated to working with our partners to empower low income people through the power of technology,' Moustafa Mourad, interim president at One Economy, said.

 

'In today's world, access to the Internet and online resources can mean the difference between poverty and economic livelihood. Bringing free broadband access to St. Louis' low income families will connect them to resources and opportunities they need to join the 21st century economy.'

 

The program will officially launch later this month.

 

In related news, Charter Communications announced that it increased its Internet download speeds on the Charter Internet Express and Charter Internet Plus tiers.