SPEAKER SCOTT K. SAIKI APPLAUDS SPECTRUM FOR OFFERING FREE BROADBAND TO STUDENTS

Spectrum announces efforts to help students learn remotely as a result of COVID-19 

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Hawaiʻi House Speaker Scott K. Saiki today recognized Spectrum for offering free broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription.

"As Chair of the House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness, I acknowledge the efforts by Spectrum to ensure that our students in Hawaiʻi are able to learn and study remotely during this time of uncertainty," said Speaker Saiki.

"The House of Representatives created this Select Committee to recommend actions that can be taken by all sectors to secure Hawaiʻi’s economy and financial viability," Saiki said. "We all know that maintaining public confidence during a time like this is essential for Hawaiʻi’s recovery. This Select Committee demonstrates that we are all in this together and that we will be prepared."

Spectrum will partner with school districts to raise awareness of this program. In addition, Spectrum will open its Wi-Fi hotspots across its footprint for public use, will not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus, and will waive late fees.

"Today's announcement is great news. This is an example of private business stepping up and stepping in to secure our most valuable asset in Hawaiʻi—our young people and future leaders," said Speaker Saiki. "I look forward to reporting more initiatives like this in the following weeks."

The House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness met for the first time yesterday to prepare the state for the economic effects of the disease. The next meeting is scheduled for March 23 at the State Capitol. 

For information about the committee including agendas, documents and transcripts, go to https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/specialcommittee.aspx?comm=cov&year=2020.