Across the company every year and here in Western New England, which includes Connecticut, western Massachusetts and Vermont, we invest in our network, our products, and the communities where we live and work. With the immense change brought on by 2020, we became more focused than ever on delivering the products and services our customers need while ensuring access for those who need it most.
This year connectivity became even more important, with millions of people relying on us to help them work from home, access critical news and educational resources and entertain and keep in touch with family members during the pandemic. We took steps to make sure we were there for them. We delivered the speeds and capacity our customers needed, even as we saw an unprecedented shift in network usage.
As a company, we always look for ways to add value for our customers, and this year was no exception. We introduced new products and features like expanded 5G coverage for Xfinity Mobile, next-generation Xfinity xFi pods, free advanced cybersecurity for those with Xfinity’s xFi Gateway, additional home security options and more. And, with TV viewing surging, customers were able to unwind at home with new entertainment options, including the launches of Hulu, Spotify and NBCUniversal’s streaming service Peacock on Xfinity X1.
We also know how much our business customers like Clinical & Support Options and Post University depend on us, especially at a time when they need to pivot to new ways of operating. We provided free and discounted access to leading third-party business applications and introduced a set of connectivity solutions for business owners with employees working from home in the pandemic. We also moved quickly to ensure essential businesses could stay connected.
While we focused on providing the best products, services and experience for our customers, we also applied our resources to make an impact in the community. We enhanced and expanded Internet Essentials, our signature high-speed Internet adoption program for low-income families. And with the announcement of our Internet Essentials Partnership Program, cities, school districts, and community organizations were able to connect large numbers of eligible students and families to the Internet at home. And we announced a multiyear program to launch more than 1,000 WiFi-connected “Lift Zones” in community centers nationwide.
Companywide, we built upon our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion with a $100 million commitment to fight injustice and inequality against any race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation or ability. As part of this commitment, we recently introduced Comcast RISE, an initiative created to help strengthen and empower small businesses owned by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) that were hard hit by COVID-19.
None of our initiatives this year would have been possible without the talents and focus of our employees, like Colby, Antolin and Rick. And we’re proud that feedback from our teams helped make us a Best Place to Work in both Connecticut and Vermont for the fifth consecutive year.
We’re grateful to be a part of your homes, your businesses, and your communities, and we’re looking forward to continuing our relationships in the year to come. For more of 2020’s Comcast NBCUniversal news, visit corporate.comcast.com/press.
