FCC should push Comcast to get Internet to more low-income families

[Commentary] To win federal regulators' approval for its acquisition of NBC Universal, cable giant Comcast promised in 2011 to offer low-cost Internet connections to millions of low-income households in its service area for three years. Now, eager for the green light to acquire another cable operator -- Time Warner Cable -- Comcast has pledged to extend its generous discounts to TWC's turf as well. But such commitments to narrow the digital divide are meaningless if regulators don't demand results.

Comcast has kept its pledge to offer broadband to low-income families. But if the FCC is to approve another blockbuster merger for the company, it should insist that Comcast try harder to sell it. That means more effective outreach -- for example, by working through nonprofits that have a record in bringing services to low-income and immigrant-heavy communities -- as well as an easier sign-up process, more technical assistance and family-friendly equipment. Comcast can't be expected to close the digital divide alone, but it can do a better job of hooking up the low-income residents on its turf.