Comcast Announces Rural Broadband Expansions in Snohomish And Spokane Counties
What’s the news?
We’re expanding our service to homes in rural areas of Snohomish and Spokane Counties. Over the next two years, we will invest $9.4 million, to bring the entire suite of Xfinity and Comcast Business services to the rural unincorporated communities of Sisco Heights, Burns Road, Frontier Air Park and Chattaroy.
Why is this important?
Leaders in Washington, including Governor Jay Inslee, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and more have this to say…
“I am appreciative of the efforts taken up by Comcast and all of our private sector partners to help us achieve broadband service across the state that is quality, affordable, and reliable. Even before we felt the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we knew that too many Washingtonians had limited or no access to broadband. Continued private investment, such as Comcast’s commitment, is essential to making sure that as many Washingtonians as possible have access.” – Gov. Jay Inslee
“Connectivity matters right now more than ever for students and families, and I applaud Comcast’s investment to expand its service area. I will continue to lead in Congress to help close the digital divide in rural and underserved communities, so students can do their schoolwork, patients can access tele-health, and everyone has access to the digital economy.” – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05)
“This is welcomed news for Snohomish County residents, especially in a world where we are increasingly reliant on a broadband connection to work, learn, and teach. In our region, where we have some of the world’s largest technology companies, we still have too many residents without affordable access to the internet. Bold investments like these will help families during this difficult time and beyond and help make sure students don’t fall behind because of their connectivity. It’s incumbent upon state and federal lawmakers to also help fill the connectivity gap in our rural communities and partner with the private sector.” – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01)
“This is excellent news for our rural communities, especially with kids online attending classes and parents working from home. The need for fast and secure internet service has never been greater and I’m glad to see Comcast step-up to help our underserved neighborhoods.” – Sen. Keith Wagoner, R-Sedro Wooley
“I’m thrilled to hear this news. For today’s generation, communication services are a necessity, not a luxury. This expanded network service will help thousands of individuals, families and businesses in our region. I’d like to thank everyone who worked so hard to make this change a reality.” – Rep. Carolyn Eslick, R-Sultan, 39th LD
“Snohomish County welcomes Comcast’s considerable investment in our rural communities. This investment will support workforce development, virtual education, overall quality of life, and greater access to high-speed internet for our residents. I am grateful for Comcast’s commitment to expanding broadband access in critical areas of Snohomish County.” – Snohomish County Executive Dave Sommers
How will local consumers and businesses benefit?
Sisco Heights, Burns Road, Frontier Air Park and Chattaroy residents will have access to the entire Xfinity product suite, including Internet Essentials, the largest and most comprehensive low-cost Internet adoption program for low-income Americans. Since 2011, it has connected 85,000 low-income households statewide, many for the first time. Businesses will have access to the full suite of Comcast Business Internet, voice, and video services, including WiFi, Voice, TV and managed enterprise solutions for businesses of all sizes.
“We’re excited to expand our network into these rural communities. Connecting people to the power of technology is important and life-changing” said Rodrigo Lopez, Region Senior Vice President, Comcast Washington. “We will continue investing in our state. In one year alone, we spent $988 million in Washington to maintain and upgrade our network, help local charities, and keep children connected during school closures.”