Investing in the South
2024 has been a transformative year for Comcast, as we continue strengthening communities through cutting-edge fiber technology. This year, our expanded network brought fast, reliable Internet to more homes and businesses across the Southeast than ever before, helping to connect people and power economic growth.
Connecting Communities with Purpose
Working closely with local governments and employing over 3,000 area workers and hundreds of local contractors, we expanded our network to provide 99.9% reliable high-speed Internet to nearly 200,000 new homes and businesses in 14 markets across the South. From enabling seamless online learning and telehealth services to supporting small businesses and remote work, our efforts fuel economic growth and digital inclusion.
“By partnering with local governments and leveraging the skills of our regional workforce, we’ve been able to bring fast, reliable connectivity to more and more communities to fuel growth,” explained McArdle.
Innovating for Extraordinary Experiences
From launching the NOW services, which offer affordable pre-paid, no-contract service lines, to introducing WiFi Boost for our mobile customers, we prioritized accessible, customizable services. Milestones like the Paris Olympics brought moments of unity and joy, showcasing our commitment to creating engaging customer experiences.
- Xfinity Mobile and Comcast Business Mobile continue to offer some of the lowest prices with the broadest coverage around the state.
- We launched Xfinity StreamSaver, a streaming bundle of Peacock, Netflix and Apple TV+ that delivers savings of over 30% a year.
- Locally, we celebrated the Games with students in Atlanta, Georgia. Click here to learn more about our gold medal event!
- Opened three new stores with on-site experts to serve local needs, including Madison (TN) and Pooler (GA). Visit here to find a store location near you.
Empowering Local Businesses
From home entrepreneurs to enterprise-wide support, Comcast Business offers a suite of connectivity solutions to help organizations of all sizes achieve their goals with cutting edge cybersecurity.
With initiatives extending beyond connectivity, Comcast Business also supported local non-profits and sponsored area business takeovers for all to enjoy. Read more about Comcast Business: a Home Run for Education and Comcast Business Partners with Cabot Restaurant.
“At Comcast Business, our mission extends beyond providing top-notch connectivity solutions. We are committed to empowering organizations of all sizes, from home entrepreneurs to large enterprises, with the tools they need to succeed,” shared Thibodeaux.
And 100 businesses in Metro Atlanta received comprehensive grant packages through the Comcast RISE program, including business consultation services, educational resources, a $5,000 monetary grant, and more. The recipients are among more than 14,000 entrepreneurs nationwide and 1,880 small businesses across the South Region who have been selected through the Comcast RISE program to date.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Investing in Southerners is more than network advancement; it is about moving the needle on digital inclusion through Project UP, our $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity.
- Opened 3 new Lift Zones offering free, secure WiFi hotspots, for a total of 55 Lift Zones in the South Region at nearby community centers. To find a Lift Zone near you, click here.
- Supported community organizations with $1.075M in grants for digital learning programs and foundation grants.
- Donated 1,158 laptops to students, families and organizations.
“Through the Comcast RISE program, we are dedicated to supporting small businesses and fostering entrepreneurial growth in Atlanta and beyond,” said Melinda Little, Comcast Regional Vice President of Government Affairs and Community Investments. “Our commitment to bridging the digital divide is reflected in our substantial investments in digital equity through Project UP. By providing grants, opening Lift Zones, and donating laptops, we strive to empower communities with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age.”
Also giving back to our communities, Team UP, the company’s always-on volunteer program, includes employees from across the South sharing experiences and serving non-profits and community organizations.
Looking Ahead
We’re hard at work preparing to bring customers even more of what they love in 2025.