Comcast has officially broken ground on a major rural broadband expansion project in Tulare County, California, signaling a significant leap forward in bringing high-speed internet access to underserved communities. The project, which commenced with a groundbreaking ceremony in Pixley, is set to extend Comcast's advanced Xfinity broadband network to about 6,200 locations that previously lacked reliable internet access. The expansion will encompass several rural areas including Alpaugh, Dinuba, Earlimart, Kingsburg, Pixley, Sultana, Traver, Tulare, Visalia, and Tipton. This ambitious undertaking is slated for completion by early 2026, promising to revolutionize connectivity in these regions.
Funding for this transformative project comes from a combination of sources, including a substantial Federal Funding Account (FFA) grant of over $26 million from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), supplemented by private investment from Comcast. This initiative is part of Comcast's broader commitment to California, adding to its impressive $4 billion investment in technology and infrastructure across the state over the past three years. Recognizing the importance of digital literacy alongside infrastructure development, Comcast has also announced a $25,000 contribution to the Tulare County Office of Education Foundation. This donation aims to promote digital equity and provide essential resources for students, individuals, and families to fully participate in the digital economy.
The impact of this project extends beyond mere connectivity. As Pete Vander Poel of the Tulare County Board of Supervisors noted, this investment in technology infrastructure is expected to drive economic development, support existing businesses, attract new enterprises, and enhance educational and career growth opportunities for residents. Donnette Silva Carter, CEO of the Tulare Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the transformative potential of this technology, anticipating its role in shaping the region's future and enabling new competitive capabilities. Comcast's commitment to these communities goes beyond infrastructure. Through its Project UP initiative, the company is investing $1 billion to connect millions to the Internet and build futures with unlimited possibilities.
In California alone, Comcast has invested over $130.5 million in cash and in-kind donations to nonprofits focused on digital skills development, expanding WiFi-connected Lift Zones, and supporting connectivity programs. The company is also promoting awareness of affordable connectivity services like Internet Essentials, which offers eligible households high-speed Internet at reduced rates. Since its inception in 2011, this program has connected over 2.2 million Californians to the internet. As part of this expansion, both residential and business customers in Tulare County will gain access to Comcast's comprehensive suite of products and services. This includes Xfinity's advanced internet, video, mobile, voice, and home management solutions for residents, and Comcast Business's array of connectivity, communications, networking, cybersecurity, and managed solutions for local businesses.
Comcast's network expansion in Tulare County represents a significant step towards digital inclusion and economic development in rural California. By bringing high-speed internet to previously underserved areas, this project has the potential to transform local communities, enhance educational opportunities, and drive economic growth in the region. The combination of public funding through the CPUC grant and private investment demonstrates a collaborative approach to addressing the digital divide, which has become increasingly critical for access to education, healthcare, employment, and civic participation in the modern economy.
