In a significant development for residents and businesses on Key Peninsula, Comcast has initiated construction to expand high-speed internet services in the area. This project, undertaken in partnership with Pierce County, aims to provide hundreds of homes and businesses with access to Comcast's fiber-rich Xfinity network, which includes multi-gigabit broadband speeds for residential customers and up to 100 Gbps for business customers.
Some Key Peninsula homes and businesses are anticipated to gain access to Comcast services as early as later this year. The construction, expected to continue until 2025, will ensure that more than 500 homes and businesses will have access to next-generation internet options. An online resource has been created by Comcast for local residents seeking more information about the network construction in their neighborhood, including frequently asked questions and product details, available at this link.
The construction zone spans from north to south between 144th St NW to Hall Rd NW, and from west to east from 188th Ave NW to Wright Bliss Rd NW. Crews will be working Monday to Thursday from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Temporary road closures or detours may be required, along with parking restrictions in construction zones. However, access to properties will be maintained as much as possible, with residents being notified at least 10 days in advance of any temporary restrictions or road closures by the construction contractor, Cannon Companies.
This project, which is part of an effort to extend broadband infrastructure to underserved areas of Pierce County, is backed by a $5 million investment. The initiative is funded as a public-private partnership, with Pierce County contributing $3.75 million of federal funding allocated through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA).
“Broadband Internet has become one of the essential infrastructures our communities rely upon. We’re proud to support the expansion of broadband to more Pierce County residents for their business, education, and entertainment needs,” said Jen Tetatzin, director of Pierce County Planning and Public Works.
Roy Novosel, vice president of engineering at Comcast Washington, also emphasized the importance of this expansion. “Access to technology is a powerful driver of economic growth and innovation, and we look forward to connecting more Key Peninsula residents to all the opportunities broadband offers. We are expanding our network over 25 miles to connect homes and businesses to reliable and fast broadband service.”
For more information about Pierce County’s broadband expansion initiative, visit this link.
