Comcast has unveiled plans to significantly expand its high-speed fiber broadband network across Northern California, targeting previously unserved areas in Marin and Sutter counties. This expansion, set to be completed by mid-2026, will bring reliable, smart, and high-speed internet access to over 150 locations in Marin County and more than 450 locations in Sutter County.
The project is made possible through a combination of a $14 million Federal Funding Account (FFA) Grant from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and private funding from Comcast. This initiative is part of a broader effort by Comcast to extend its next-generation network to underserved communities, as evidenced by a recent $26 million FFA grant to expand services in Tulare County, which will connect nearly 6,200 unserved locations by early 2026.
David Tashjian, Regional Senior Vice President of Comcast California, emphasized the importance of reliable, high-speed internet in today's digital economy. He stated that the investment would provide residents and businesses in these communities with "a future of unlimited possibilities." The expansion is expected to have significant impacts on education, work, and small business operations in the affected areas.
Mat Conant, Chair of the Sutter County Board of Supervisors, highlighted the potential of this expansion to level the playing field for families who have previously lacked access to high-speed internet. The improved connectivity is anticipated to benefit students, workers, and small business owners in the region.
In Marin County, where there has been a longstanding demand for improved broadband services, the expansion is particularly significant for the senior community. Eric Lucan of the Marin County Board of Supervisors expressed excitement about the lasting impacts of these awards in connecting more residents to high-speed internet and the economic opportunities they will create.
Comcast's commitment extends beyond network expansion. Through its Project UP initiative, the company has pledged $1 billion to help tens of millions of people connect to the Internet and build digital skills. In California alone, Comcast has invested more than $130 million in cash and in-kind donations to nonprofits focused on digital equity over the past three years.
The expansion will bring Comcast's full suite of products to residential customers, including Internet, video, mobile, voice, and managed home solutions. For local businesses, Comcast Business will offer a range of connectivity, communications, networking, cybersecurity, wireless, and managed solutions to help organizations of various sizes prepare for future technological needs.
This expansion is particularly significant in the context of the growing digital divide in the United States. As more aspects of daily life, including education, healthcare, and job opportunities, move online, access to reliable high-speed internet has become crucial for social and economic participation. By bringing its advanced network to previously unserved areas, Comcast is helping to bridge this gap and provide equal opportunities for residents in these communities.
The initiative also aligns with broader national and state-level efforts to improve broadband infrastructure and access, especially in rural and underserved areas. As the demand for high-speed internet continues to grow, expansions like this play a critical role in ensuring that no communities are left behind in the digital age.
As Comcast rolls out its services in these new areas, it will be important to monitor the impact on local communities, including improvements in educational outcomes, economic growth, and overall quality of life. The success of this expansion could serve as a model for similar initiatives in other underserved regions across the country, potentially accelerating the push for universal broadband access.
