Comcast has announced an expansion of its fiber-rich broadband network to unserved areas of Bossier and Caddo Parishes, which will provide nearly 1,000 residential homes and businesses with access to a full suite of advanced communications services, including symmetrical gigabit speed internet.
The Bossier Parish expansion is made possible by a $304,000 grant from Louisiana’s Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities (GUMBO) program, administered by the Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity, and a $2 million investment from Comcast. It is scheduled for completion in the next 18 to 24 months and will reach nearly 300 homes and businesses.
The Caddo Parish expansion is made possible by a $5.9 million grant from the GUMBO program and a $3.4 million investment from Comcast. It is also scheduled for completion in the next 18 to 24 months and will reach about 523 homes and businesses.
“Today’s announcement is a true milestone for Caddo Parish,” said Dr. Woodrow Wilson, Jr., Administrator and CEO, Parish of Caddo. “We are thrilled that our residents and businesses will eventually have access to some of the fastest internet speeds and most advanced technology available.”
Local businesses will have access to several advanced services, including gigabit speed internet, Wi-Fi, and Xfinity Mobile. Residential customers will have access to a full suite of services, including the following:
- Xfinity Internet, with speed tiers and pricing options from 100 Mbps through 1-gigabit; with Xfinity xFi, customers can personalize and control their in-home Wi-Fi experience;
- Xfinity Mobile, which combines America’s largest 5G network with millions of secure Xfinity WiFi hotspots;
- X1 entertainment platform and voice remote;
- Xfinity Flex, a simplified streaming solution for Xfinity Internet customers who do not want traditional TV video service; and
- Xfinity Home, a total home security and automation solution.
This expansion also provides families with access to Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, the nation’s largest broadband adoption initiative for low-income families. Internet Essentials provides low-cost broadband service for $9.95 a month, digital literacy training and discounted computers. This, along with the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), gives income-constrained families support on their internet and mobile data plans.
“Now more than ever, it is vital that residents have a fast, reliable internet connection,” said Jason Gumbs, Regional SVP at Comcast. “We are honored to be part of this critical project and proud to connect more Louisiana residents to the power of Comcast’s advanced broadband services.”
For residents looking to see if their neighborhood has access to Xfinity services, visit Xfinity.com or call 1-800-Xfinity. For businesses looking to connect, visit Business.Comcast.com.
