Comcast will offer $10 Internet for low-income families in the U.S. starting next month. The company, which provides Internet service in 39 states, said the low-cost connection will be available in September, coinciding with the start of the school year for most children in the U.S.

The plan, called Internet Essentials, is part of Comcast's bid to comply with regulators requiring the Philadelphia-based company to help poor families access the Internet in exchange for approving the acquisition of NBC Universal, PC World reported Monday. As part of that deal, the FCC required that Comcast make broadband subscriptions available, according to Tech Spot.

The company said it will not charge an activation fee or for equipment rental and guaranteed no price increases on the $10 monthly fee. This economic plan is expected to help bridge the divide that poor families face regarding technology.

In order to be eligible to get the deal, families must meet four benchmarks:

- One of the children has to be enrolled in the National School Lunch Program.
- Families must live in one of the states Comcast serves.
- Families can't have had Internet service from the company 90 days before joining the program.
- Families can't have any overdue Comcast bills or unreturned equipment.

Once enrolled in Internet Essentials, Comcast said it would provide vouchers toward the purchase of a budget computer worth $150, according to PC World.

Broadband FCC Comcast