Comcast Launches Rural Broadband Expansion in Tulare County, California

Comcast has broken ground on a significant rural broadband expansion project in Tulare County, California, marking a pivotal moment in the effort to bridge the digital divide in underserved communities. The project, which kicked off with a groundbreaking ceremony in Pixley, aims to bring high-speed internet access to approximately 6,200 previously unserved locations across several rural areas in the county.

The expansion, expected to be completed by early 2026, will extend Comcast's fiber-rich Xfinity broadband network to communities including Alpaugh, Dinuba, Earlimart, Kingsburg, Pixley, Sultana, Traver, Tulare, Visalia, and Tipton. This initiative is part of Comcast's broader commitment to improving digital infrastructure in California, adding to the company's more than $4 billion in technology and infrastructure investments across the state over the past three years.

Funding for this ambitious project comes from a combination of sources, including a substantial $26 million Federal Funding Account (FFA) grant from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and private investment from Comcast. The project underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing the challenges of rural broadband access.

The impact of this expansion extends beyond mere internet connectivity. It represents a significant boost to the economic and educational prospects of Tulare County's rural communities. Pete Vander Poel of the Tulare County Board of Supervisors highlighted the project's potential to drive economic development, support existing businesses, attract new ones, and enhance educational and career growth opportunities for residents.

Comcast's commitment to the region goes beyond infrastructure development. The company has announced a $25,000 contribution to the Tulare County Office of Education Foundation to promote digital equity and provide digital literacy resources. This holistic approach aims to ensure that residents can not only access high-speed internet but also develop the skills necessary to fully participate in the digital economy.

The expansion will bring Comcast's full suite of products to residential customers, including Internet, video, mobile, voice, and managed home solutions. For local businesses, Comcast Business will offer a range of connectivity, communications, networking, cybersecurity, and managed solutions, positioning Tulare County's business community to compete more effectively in the digital marketplace.

This project is part of Comcast's broader initiative, Project UP, a $1 billion commitment to help connect people to the Internet and build futures with unlimited possibilities. Over the past three years, Comcast has invested more than $130.5 million in cash and in-kind donations into California nonprofits focused on digital skills development, WiFi-connected Lift Zones, and connectivity programs.

The Tulare County expansion also aligns with Comcast's efforts to promote affordable connectivity through programs 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.

As rural communities increasingly require robust digital infrastructure to thrive in the modern economy, initiatives like Comcast's Tulare County project play a crucial role in ensuring equitable access to opportunities. By bringing high-speed internet to these underserved areas, Comcast is not just laying fiber; it's paving the way for enhanced education, healthcare, economic growth, and quality of life for thousands of rural Californians.