Residents in the rural community of Caruthers will now have access to high-speed internet from Comcast.
Comcast announced Wednesday that it is investing millions of dollars to expand its services to Caruthers.
The big picture: Comcast is spending $3.6 million to bring its Xfinity 10G Network to the area, something the company says falls in line with its mission to increase digital equity in the Central Valley.
- The internet service provider previously expanded to the rural communities of Biola and Planada, investing $5 million total in both areas.
- Caruthers residents will now be able to take advantage of Comcast’s Internet Essentials package, which provides high-speed broadband for low-income households. Over 1.4 million Californians have used the package since it started in 2011.
- Comcast also participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offers a $30 monthly credit toward internet and mobile services for qualifying households.
What they’re saying: Fresno County Supervisors Buddy Mendes said he greatly appreciates Comcast’s investments into the county’s rural communities.
- “Continuing to invest in rural communities has a significant, positive impact on the lives of families, students, seniors and veterans and helps to close the Digital Divide,” Mendes said. “Our community will now have access to a broader range of educational opportunities, better jobs, digital literacy training and workforce development skills.”
- Comcast Regional Senior VIce President David Tashjian said the Central Valley continues to be a big focus for the company.
- “We understand that fast, reliable and secure internet access has become a necessity for everyone, and we’re excited to be able to bring out Xfinity 10G Network to these communities to create lasting impactful change,” Tashjian said.