Comcast has announced it will offer up to six months of free service for any new eligible family signing up for its basic Internet Essentials broadband service.

Broadband service is offered for $9.95 a month plus the option to purchase an Internet-ready computer for less than $150. The only requirement is that the family have at least one child eligible for the National School Lunch Program.

Comcast Executive Vice President David L. Cohen said in a statement: "Internet Essentials is about transforming lives and inspiring a new generation of leaders to be digitally ready to access the information and tools all students need to succeed in the 21st century. By offering six months of free Internet Essentials service, along with an amnesty program, we hope to convince even more families that there is no better school supply than having broadband Internet at home. With it, kids can do their homework and parents can be more connected to their children's teachers and schools."

The program is available in 39 states, and the District of Columbia.