Comcast has announced it will extend its commitments to help people connect to the Internet during the COVID-19 pandemic as millions continue to stay home while many workplaces and schools operate virtually.

Obi Asinugo, a software engineer with Comcast, mentors students at New Foundations Charter School about coding animation. (Jason E. Miczek/AP Images for Comcast)

The cable communications company said it provide free Internet service for the first 60 days for new Internet Essentials customers, and free access to more than 1.5 million public Xfinity WiFi hotspots through June 30, 2021.

Internet Essentials is a broadband adoption program that provides high-speed Internet service to low-income families and has connected more than 4 million low-income students since its inception. Customers who sign up before June 30, 2021, will receive 60 days of complimentary service. Comcast will also waive the requirement that customers not have back debt due so more families can apply. For more information, visit www.internetessentials.com.

“Our teams have worked tirelessly to ensure our network is operating at peak performance and help our customers and our communities navigate this unprecedented crisis,” said Comcast Cable CEO Dave Watson. “For nearly a decade, we’ve been on a mission to ensure students have the resources they need to be successful. We have accelerated that work during COVID-19 by partnering with public schools to provide Internet for more low-income students and by working with community centers to create safe spaces for families to connect to free WiFi through Lift Zones.”

In September, Comcast announced a multiyear program to launch more than 1,000 “Lift Zones” in community centers across the country by working with its network of thousands of nonprofit partners and city leaders. Comcast is providing WiFi in these facilities to help students get online, participate in distance learning, and do their schoolwork. Comcast plans to have at least 200 Lift Zones installed before the end of the year.