Comcast today announced it has begun work to enhance and expand the reach of its network in four rural communities: Tallapoosa, Mount Zion, Waco and Whitesburg. Within one year, the nearly $9 million investment is expected to bring Comcast’s entire suite of Xfinity services to almost 8,000 previously unserved homes and businesses in the region. A press conference, featuring state officials and Comcast executives, was held in Tallapoosa.
"Comcast's rural initiative will provide critical infrastructure support for key communities," said Georgia Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan. “This announcement supports Georgia’s mission to be the technology capitol of the East Coast. I am grateful for Comcast’s commitment to continue to focus on expanding broadband access in rural Georgia.”
"I want to applaud Comcast’s continued focus on supporting residents and businesses in rural Georgia,” said Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) of the Georgia House of Representatives. “Comcast’s technology investment in Haralson and Carroll Counties will strengthen these communities and create new opportunities by supporting workforce development, education, and quality of life.”
This expansion provides families with access to Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, the nation’s largest and most successful broadband adoption initiative for low-income families. Since 2011, Internet Essentials has helped connect 480,000 low-income individuals to the internet in Georgia.
Businesses will also have access to a full suite of Comcast Business internet, voice, and video services, including Ethernet, Internet, Wi-Fi, Voice, TV and Managed Enterprise Solutions to help organizations of all sizes.
“Today’s announcement truly underscores our commitment to bridging the digital divide in rural Georgia,” said Jason Gumbs, Regional SVP at Comcast. “During these challenging times, it is clear just how critical broadband connectivity has become. We are proud to make this important investment and look forward to building on this momentum in other rural communities across the state.”
In 2018, the State of Georgia launched the Georgia Broadband Deployment Initiative (GBDI) to focus on rural broadband and coordinate efforts to address the widening digital divide. Today’s announcement aligns with the state’s goals of encouraging private investment in rural broadband solutions.
“The Georgia Broadband Deployment team, in close coordination with an Advisory Council of community leaders and providers, has made great strides in addressing rural broadband in our state,” said Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Christopher Nunn. “Today’s announcement is exciting in that it promises to connect thousands of previously unconnected households.”