Comcast Connects Knoxville 

Comcast has more than 51,500 miles of fiber-rich network infrastructure in Tennessee, including more than 4,000 WiFi hotspots in the Metro Knoxville area (and 23 million nationwide). Our network architecture allows us to deliver the same suite of innovative services, the same high-level customer experience and gigabit+ Internet speeds across Knoxville, making Knoxville a “Gigabit+ City.” Data on our network travels 99% of the way to homes and businesses via fiber. 

Fast Internet Now and in the Future

Comcast has been serving Knoxville for more than 27 years. We have the track record, the longevity and the financial ability to invest in and partner with Knoxville for the long term.  

We invest in our network continually to make sure we meet the current and future needs of all the households and businesses we serve. In fact, over the last decade, Comcast has invested $30 billion in technology and network infrastructure nationally and $629 million in Tennessee alone in the last three years. As a result of these investments, we can deliver an even greater customer experience, increase reliability and speeds and double network capacity every 2.5 years to meet our customers’ growing connectivity needs. 

Increasing Digital Equity

Started in 2021, Project UP is a comprehensive 10-year, $1 billion Comcast initiative designed to help make digital equity a reality and build a future of unlimited possibilities. Internet Essentials, one of Project UP’s centerpieces, provides low-cost Internet service, digital skills training and subsidized computers to eligible households. Internet Essentials and Internet Essentials Plus are available to students of all ages – from grammar school to college – senior citizens, veterans and people with disabilities enrolled in public assistance programs, ranging from Medicaid to SNAP, as well as public housing residents. The program has helped more than 680,000 Tennessee residents access the Internet at home since it was launched in 2011.  

Comcast has also established Wi-Fi-connected “Lift Zones” at 10 community centers in and around Knoxville. Lift Zones are safe spaces where students and families can get online for distance learning, to do homework, to learn new digital skills and to search for employment. The 11 Lift Zones in Knoxville are located at:  

The Comcast RISE program (Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment) was created in 2020 to empower business owners with the expertise and resources needed to navigate the economic effects of the pandemic.  

In 2022, Comcast RISE returned to Knoxville when small business Rev It uP LLC was chosen for a technology makeover. The company was one of nearly 8,000 entrepreneurs nationwide selected as Comcast RISE awardees. They received computer equipment and internet, voice and cybersecurity services for 12 months.     

Comcast in the Community

Comcast provides support to the community through its partners including cash and in-kind donations to the following partners:  

• Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains 
• Centro Hispano de East TN 
• Girls Incorporated of Tennessee Valley 
• Knoxville Area Urban League 
• Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee 
• Roanenet 
• Shora Foundation 
• ROANEnet 

Leadership

Mike McArdle

Senior Vice President, Comcast Big South Region

Mike started his career at Comcast in 1996 as a customer account executive. Now, he leads 3,500 employees across seven states, including nearly 200 based in Knoxville, and is focused on delivering an outstanding customer experience. 

Christine Whitaker

President, Comcast Central Division

Christine Whitaker is the President of Comcast’s Central Division which comprises four regions and more than 16,000 employees across 12 states, including Tennessee.  

Xfinity Stores Near You  

• 5132 N. Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37918 
• 6928 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 
• 349 S. Illinois Ave, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 

Comcast has been serving residents and businesses and supporting communities across Knoxville for years. Click here to catch up on Comcast’s Knoxville announcements and initiatives. We’re more than just your Internet service provider. We’re your friends, neighbors, and coworkers, and we share a future.

For more information, send an e-mail to economic_development@comcast.com or click the button below.