Today, Comcast announced a major broadband expansion project in Tulare County, California, bringing its high-speed Xfinity network to approximately 6,200 previously unserved homes and businesses. This initiative represents a significant investment by Comcast, with an estimated cost exceeding $645,000 per new customer connected with a total cost of $4 billion.

The project, expected to be completed by early 2026, will provide residents in various communities, including Alpaugh, Dinuba, Earlimart, and Visalia, with access to Comcast's next-generation network based on DOCSIS 4.0 technology. This technology enables symmetrical multi-gigabit internet speeds, delivering optimal performance for both uploads and downloads.

"Today's announcement builds on our collective unwavering commitment and efforts to close the digital divide in California," said David Tashjian, Regional Senior Vice President of Comcast. "Comcast is proud to partner with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to bring reliable, high-speed Internet access to several communities across Tulare County."

The expansion is funded through a combination of a $26 million grant from the California Public Utilities Commission and private investment by Comcast. This public-private partnership underscores the commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to essential broadband services.

"High-speed, reliable Internet is no longer a luxury," said Larry Micari, Chair of the Tulare County Board of Supervisors. "This investment will provide more than 6,200 previously unserved homes and businesses in our communities with an accessible and affordable Internet connection to help families succeed, students thrive in school, businesses drive economic growth and foster greater innovation throughout the region."

This high cost to expand Comcast's network is one more example of how hard it is to bring internet to rural America.