Comcast Expands High-Speed Fiber Network to Underserved Areas in Northern California

Comcast has announced plans to expand its high-speed fiber broadband network to previously unserved areas in Northern California's Marin and Sutter counties. This expansion, set to be completed by mid-2026, will bring reliable 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 larger effort by Comcast to extend its services to underserved communities, as evidenced by a recent $26 million FFA grant to expand broadband services to nearly 6,200 unserved locations in Tulare County 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. The expansion is expected to provide residents and businesses in these areas with new opportunities for education, work, and connectivity.

Local officials have welcomed the announcement, recognizing the potential impact on their communities. Mat Conant, Chair of the Sutter County Board of Supervisors, highlighted the importance of high-speed internet for families, students, and small business owners. Eric Lucan of the Marin County Board of Supervisors noted the particular significance for the senior community and mobile home residents in Novato.

Beyond network expansion, Comcast is addressing digital equity through its Project UP initiative, a $1 billion commitment to help connect people to the internet and build digital skills. In California alone, Comcast has invested over $130 million in cash and in-kind donations to nonprofits focused on digital literacy and connectivity over the past three years.

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 more than 2.2 million Californians to the internet.

For residential customers, the expansion will bring access to Xfinity's full suite of products, including internet, video, mobile, voice, and home management solutions. Business customers will benefit from Comcast Business's range of connectivity, communications, networking, cybersecurity, and managed solutions.

Comcast's network expansion comes with technological advancements designed to meet increasing demand for bandwidth and reliability. The company is rolling out DOCSIS 4.0 technology, which will enable symmetrical gigabit speeds over existing connections. Additionally, Comcast is introducing features like Storm-Ready WiFi to ensure connectivity during power outages, and enhanced WiFi coverage through advanced gateways and WiFi Boost Pods.

This expansion represents a significant step in bridging the digital divide in Northern California. By bringing high-speed internet to previously underserved areas, Comcast is not only improving connectivity but also opening up new opportunities for education, economic growth, and community development. The project underscores the ongoing importance of public-private partnerships in addressing the technological needs of diverse communities across the United States.