Comcast is set to significantly improve digital connectivity in Northern California's Butte and Colusa counties through a comprehensive fiber broadband network expansion. The project, supported by a Federal Funding Account Grant from the California Public Utilities Commission, will bring next-generation internet services to 705 locations that currently lack reliable high-speed internet access.
The expansion represents a critical step in addressing the digital divide in rural California. By 2026, Comcast will deploy its advanced fiber network to 260 locations in Colusa County and 445 locations in Butte County, providing residents and businesses with multi-gigabit internet speeds and enhanced digital connectivity.
State and local officials have praised the initiative as a transformative investment in regional infrastructure. California State Senator Megan Dahle emphasized the project's potential to create opportunities in education, healthcare, and economic development for rural communities.
Beyond infrastructure deployment, Comcast is committed to digital inclusion through programs like Internet Essentials, which offers low-cost internet and affordable computers to eligible households. The company has invested over $130 million in California nonprofits focused on digital skill development and connectivity programs over the past three years.
The network promises 99.9 percent reliability and advanced security features, positioning it as a robust digital infrastructure solution for essential community organizations, including hospitals, schools, and local government services.
This expansion underscores the growing importance of reliable internet access as a fundamental utility in the 21st century, particularly in rural and underserved regions where digital connectivity can significantly impact economic and social opportunities.
