Comcast Connects Knoxville
Comcast is expanding access to high-speed Internet service, closing the digital divide and driving economic growth in Knoxville
Comcast surpasses 51,500 miles of network in Tennessee
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.
Future proofing: We invest in our Xfinity Network to stay ahead of demand, support new technologies and accommodate changing lifestyles
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.
Comcast has committed $1 billion over 10 years to help make digital equity a reality
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 11 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:
- Boys & Girls Club Debusk Family Club
- Boys & Girls Club Haslam Family Club
- Boys & Girls Club Montgomery Village
- Boys & Girls Club Northridge Crossing
- Boys & Girls Club Vestal Club
- Boys & Girls Club Walter P. Taylor
- Boys & Girls Club Western Heights
- Boys and Girls Club of Oak Ridge
- Centro Hispano de East Tennessee
- John T O’Connor Senior Center
- Shora Foundation
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.
We’re part of your community
Comcast provides support to the community through its partners including cash and in-kind donations to the following partners:
Comcast has been serving residents and businesses and supporting communities across Knoxville for years. Following are announcements about Comcast’s initiatives in Knoxville from just the last three years:
May 2023: Comcast Foundation Announces $55,000 in Grants to Four Greater Knoxville Non-Profits
April 2023: Knoxville Gets Latest Upgrade to its Xfinity 10G Network
September 2022: Comcast Business, Knoxville Tech Council Partner to Support Small Business in Knoxville
August 2022: Comcast Hosting Community Event, Free Movie Screening of “Sing 2” in Knoxville
August 2022: Comcast Offering Free Breakfast at Status Dough and a Party at Concerts on the Square this Thursday in Knoxville
July 2022: Comcast Providing Free Wi-Fi at Concerts on the Square this Thursday in Knoxville
May 2022: Dozens of Knoxville Families Receive New Laptops Through Comcast, Urban League Partnership
December 2021: Knoxville Community Receives Lunch on Comcast
October 2021: Knoxville Businesses Impacted by Pandemic Receive Comcast Business Grants
September 2021: A Look at One of our Wi-Fi-Connected Lift Zones in Knoxville, Tennessee
June 2021: Comcast and Knoxville Area Urban League Partner to Donate 50 Dell Laptops to High School Students
Leadership
Mike McArdle serves as Senior Vice President of Comcast’s South Region. He 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 serves as President of Comcast’s Central Division, which comprises four regions and more than 16,000 employees across 12 states, including Tennessee.
Visit our Metro Knoxville Xfinity stores located at:
- 5132 N. Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37918
- 6928 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919
- 349 S. Illinois Ave, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Comcast is proud to serve Knoxville. 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.
Tagged with: Community Investment | Knoxville