COMCAST ANNOUNCES RURAL BROADBAND EXPANSIONS IN SNOHOMISH AND SPOKANE COUNTIES Comcast Plans to Invest More Than $9 Million to Expand Broadband Service to More Than 2,100 Additional Homes
Everett, Washington | February 25, 2021 08:01 AM Pacific Standard Time
Comcast today announced it will expand service to more than 2,100 homes in rural areas of Snohomish and Spokane Counties. Over the next two years, Comcast will invest $9.4 million, to bring the entire suite of Xfinity and Comcast Business services to the rural unincorporated communities of Sisco Heights, Burns Road, Frontier Air Park and Chattaroy. Additionally, Comcast is nearing completion of its network expansion with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, which includes service to more than 600 previously unserved homes in the area.
“I am appreciative of the efforts taken up by Comcast and all of our private sector partners to help us achieve broadband service across the state that is quality, affordable, and reliable. Even before we felt the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we knew that too many Washingtonians had limited or no access to broadband,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. “Continued private investment, such as Comcast’s commitment, is essential to making sure that as many Washingtonians as possible have access.”
“Today’s announcement is great news for families, workers, and students who have been struggling with the connectivity that is fundamental to our everyday lives in Eastern Washington. I applaud Comcast for their commitment to expanding critical broadband to our rural and unserved communities,” said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05). “I will continue to lead in Congress to help close the digital divide so students can excel in the classroom, patients can access reliable telehealth services, and everyone has access to the resources needed to succeed in our 21st century digital economy.”
“This is welcomed news for Snohomish County residents, especially in a world where we are increasingly reliant on a broadband connection to work, learn, and teach. In our region, where we have some of the world’s largest technology companies, we still have too many residents without affordable access to the internet,” said Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01). “Bold investments like these will help families during this difficult time and beyond and help make sure students don’t fall behind because of their connectivity. It’s incumbent upon state and federal lawmakers to also help fill the connectivity gap in our rural communities and partner with the private sector.”
Sisco Heights, Burns Road, Frontier Air Park and Chattaroy residents will have access to the entire Xfinity product suite, including Internet Essentials, the largest and most comprehensive low-cost Internet adoption program for low-income Americans. Since 2011, it has connected 85,000 low-income households statewide, many for the first time. Businesses will have access to the full suite of Comcast Business Internet, voice, and video services, including WiFi, Voice, TV and managed enterprise solutions for businesses of all sizes.
“We’re excited to expand our network into these rural communities. Connecting people to the power of technology is important and life-changing” said Rodrigo Lopez, Region Senior Vice President, Comcast Washington. “We will continue investing in our state. In one year alone, we spent $988 million in Washington to maintain and upgrade our network, help local charities, and keep children connected during school closures.”
Comcast has more than 4,200 employees who serve more than 1.6 million residential and business customers throughout the state. Comcast is Washington’s leading provider of Xfinity video, high-speed Internet, smart home and phone services. Comcast operates Xfinity retail stores throughout Washington, which feature a welcoming and modern retail environment that highlights the complete line of Xfinity home and Comcast Business technology offerings, including Xfinity Mobile, Xfinity X1, Xfinity Home and Xfinity Internet. To learn more about Comcast in Washington, visit: https://washington.comcast.com/