Comcast has successfully expanded its next-generation network to Paola and Hillsdale, Kansas, connecting more than 4,000 homes and businesses to reliable, high-speed, symmetrical Internet. This development is a pivotal moment for Miami County, enhancing digital infrastructure and setting the stage for economic growth and improved quality of life for residents and local businesses in an increasingly digital world.
The expansion introduces a full suite of services from Xfinity and Comcast Business, including Internet, mobile, entertainment, and security services, to the area for the first time. Janet McRae, Economic Development Director for Miami County, highlighted the coordination required with various utilities providers and commended Comcast for their dedication to safety during the construction process.
With an investment of over $38 million in technology and infrastructure in Kansas over the past three years, Comcast celebrated this milestone with a ribbon-cutting event in Paola's Town Square. The company also demonstrated its commitment to the community by donating $2,500 to My Father's House, a local nonprofit dedicated to assisting the underserved rural population.
Randi Shannon, City Manager of Paola, and April Damron, Executive Director of the Paola Chamber of Commerce, both emphasized the importance of high-speed Internet as essential infrastructure that will improve access, foster economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for the community. Comcast's network is designed to support the needs of today's connected world, offering multi-gigabit Internet speeds, 99.9 percent reliability, and built-in security features.
Residents and businesses in Paola and Hillsdale now have access to Xfinity's comprehensive range of products, including video, mobile, voice, and home security services, alongside high-speed Internet. Comcast Business also provides local organizations with connectivity and communications solutions to help them achieve their objectives.
Beyond infrastructure, Comcast is committed to increasing economic mobility in the community through initiatives like Internet Essentials, which offers eligible households affordable Internet and computers. The company's involvement in local events further underscores its dedication to supporting the Paola and Hillsdale communities.
