Comcast has successfully expanded its next-generation network to Paola and Hillsdale, Kansas, connecting more than 4,000 homes and businesses to reliable, high-speed, symmetrical Internet. This significant development not only enhances the digital infrastructure of the region but also promotes economic growth and positions residents and local businesses for success in an increasingly digital world. The expansion introduces a range of services from Xfinity and Comcast Business, including Internet, mobile, entertainment, and security services, to the area for the first time.
The completion of this project marks a milestone for Miami County, as highlighted by Janet McRae, Economic Development Director for Miami County. McRae commended Comcast for their dedication to safety during the construction process and expressed optimism about the new opportunities this digital expansion will bring to the community. The project, celebrated with a ribbon-cutting event at Paola's Town Square, also saw Comcast donating $2,500 to My Father's House, a local nonprofit dedicated to assisting the underserved rural population.
Randi Shannon, City Manager of Paola, and April Damron, Executive Director of the Paola Chamber of Commerce, both emphasized the importance of high-speed Internet as essential infrastructure for fostering economic growth, improving access to education and healthcare, and enhancing the quality of life for residents and businesses. Comcast's state-of-the-art network, trusted by essential community organizations nationwide, offers multi-gigabit Internet speeds, 99.9 percent reliability, and built-in security features to protect customers from cyber threats.
Residents in the newly connected areas can now access Xfinity's full suite of products, including Internet, video, mobile, voice, and home security services. Businesses, on the other hand, can leverage Comcast Business's comprehensive solutions to meet their connectivity and communication needs. Beyond infrastructure, Comcast's commitment to the community includes programs like Internet Essentials, which provides low-cost, high-speed Internet to eligible households, and sponsorships of local events such as the Miami County Fair and Paola Roots Festival.
This expansion is part of Comcast's broader investment in technology and infrastructure, with over $38 million invested in Kansas over the past three years. By bridging the digital divide and fostering local economic growth, Comcast's initiative in Paola and Hillsdale represents a forward-looking investment in the community's future.
