Comcast Expands Ultra-Fast Internet to 32,000 Homes and Businesses in Rural Florida

Rhea-AI Summary

Comcast (NASDAQ:CMCSA) has achieved a significant milestone in its rural Florida expansion, connecting 32,000 homes and businesses across 16 counties with high-speed internet infrastructure. The expansion includes 11,000 locations in Lehigh Acres and is part of a larger $322 million public-private partnership with Florida's Broadband Opportunity Program and Capital Projects Fund.

The company plans to reach a total of 64,000 rural locations by the end of 2026, extending to 13 additional counties. The expansion brings Xfinity's full suite of services including gigabit+ internet speeds, mobile, entertainment, and security services to previously underserved areas. Through Internet Essentials, Comcast also offers affordable connectivity options for income-constrained households.

Positive

• Major expansion reaching 32,000 new rural locations across 16 Florida counties
• $322 million investment through public-private partnership with Florida state
• Plans to double coverage to 64,000 locations by 2026
• Offering gigabit+ internet speeds to previously underserved areas
• Providing affordable internet access through Internet Essentials program

Negative

• Significant capital expenditure required for rural infrastructure development
• Extended timeline for complete rollout through 2026

Insights

Telecommunications Infrastructure Analyst

Comcast's $322M rural Florida broadband expansion creates new revenue streams while addressing market saturation challenges in urban areas.

Comcast's expansion to 32,000 rural Florida homes and businesses represents a strategic move to capture untapped markets while addressing the company's growth challenges in saturated urban areas. The $322 million public-private investment (split between Comcast and Florida) targets a total of 64,000 locations across 29 counties by 2026, with 16 counties already completed.

This rural expansion has several strategic advantages beyond the obvious revenue potential. First, it allows Comcast to leverage existing backbone infrastructure with incremental extensions, creating cost efficiencies compared to building in entirely new regions. Second, rural markets typically have fewer competitors, potentially leading to higher take rates and customer retention than urban areas where fiber competitors are rapidly expanding.

The focus on Lehigh Acres (11,000+ homes) in Lee County is particularly notable as it represents ~34% of the current expansion, indicating Comcast is targeting larger unincorporated areas where population density makes deployment more economical while still qualifying for rural broadband funding.

This initiative aligns with industry trends where major ISPs are increasingly using government partnerships to fund rural expansions that would otherwise be financially unfeasible. The gigabit+ capable infrastructure being deployed suggests Comcast is future-proofing these investments rather than deploying minimum viable technology, positioning for long-term competitive advantage in these communities with services that include internet, mobile, entertainment, security, and business offerings.

Xfinity and Comcast Business services now available in historically underserved areas, including more than 11,000 locations in Lehigh Acres, with expansion efforts continuing across 29 counties through 2026

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla., Aug. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Comcast announced today a major milestone in the company's effort to expand internet access across rural parts of Florida. The company has expanded its next-generation network to more than 32,000 homes and businesses in 16 counties, enhancing digital infrastructure, promoting economic growth, and positioning residents and local businesses for success in an increasingly digital world. The network expansion brings Internet, mobile, entertainment, and security services from Xfinity and Comcast Business to those residents and businesses for the first time.

The projects were made possible thanks to a public-private partnership with the state of Florida's Broadband Opportunity Program and Capital Projects Fund. One of the largest areas to benefit from the program is Lehigh Acres. In the unincorporated part of eastern Lee County, more than 11,000 homes now can access high-speed connectivity.

"Expanding access to high-speed Internet in rural Florida isn't just about technology, it's about creating opportunity," said Jeff Buzzelli, Senior Vice President for Comcast's Florida Region. "From students to small businesses to entire communities, this investment helps shrink the digital divide and unlocks the tools people need to thrive. We're proud to partner with the state of Florida to make this a reality."

This expansion announcement includes completed projects in the following counties: Bradford, Charlotte, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Highlands, Jackson, Lee, Leon, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Okeechobee, St. Johns and St. Lucie.

"High-speed internet is essential not just for a better quality of life, but to strengthening American competitiveness," said District 28 State Senator, Kathleen Passidomo. "By bringing broadband to more communities across Florida, Comcast is opening doors and paving the way for education, economic growth and prosperity."

This new, next-generation network will provide access to faster Internet speeds, offering gigabit+ Internet speeds to residential and business customers.

"Expanding broadband access is critical to the long-term success of our region's economy and workforce," said State Representative and President of SWFL, Inc, Tiffany Esposito. "Reliable, high-speed Internet empowers families, supports students, and fuels innovation for local businesses. I'm proud to support efforts that bring this essential infrastructure to communities like Lehigh Acres."

With the support of the Broadband Opportunity Program and Capital Projects Fund, Comcast is on track to complete the company's commitment to expand Internet access to a total of 64,000 homes and businesses in rural Florida by the end of 2026. Work will continue to build to 32,000 new locations in 13 additional counties. Those counties include: Bay, Glades, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Indian River, Lake, Nassau, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Union and Wakulla. In all, the projects amount to a $322 million investment between Comcast and the state of Florida.

"This investment and infrastructure in Lehigh Acres are so important," said Lee County Commissioner, Mike Greenwell. "We're thrilled to see Comcast recognize the potential here and take real steps to help our residents and businesses thrive."

Xfinity for Families

Comcast's residential services are marketed under the Xfinity brand, and consumers in rural Florida will be able to take advantage of Xfinity's full suite of products, including Internet, video, mobile, voice and home security. With fast Internet speeds, powerful WiFi that reaches every corner of the home, and super-responsive connections with low lag available with its plan, customers have a great experience using their connected devices to stream their favorite sports and entertainment content, video chat with coworkers and friends, learn from home or simply surf the web.

Comcast Business for Florida Businesses

For local businesses, Comcast Business offers a suite of connectivity, communications, networking, cybersecurity, wireless, and managed solutions to help organizations of all sizes achieve their business goals. Industry analysts and associations have consistently recognized Comcast Business as a leader and innovator in flexible, scalable options as well as one of the fastest-growing providers of Ethernet services. 

Florida Investment and Accessing Affordable Internet

Comcast is committed to making the Internet accessible and affordable across communities in Florida. Since 2011, the technology leader has offered Internet Essentials. The program provides low-cost Internet service, digital skills training and subsidized computers to eligible income-constrained households. Internet Essentials has helped hundreds of thousands of Floridians since its launch in 2011, including students, senior citizens, veterans and people with disabilities enrolled in public assistance programs.

About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Diego Osorio
Diego_osorio@comcast.com
(305) 842-7215

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SOURCE Comcast

FAQ

How many homes and businesses will Comcast's Florida expansion reach?

Comcast's expansion will reach 32,000 homes and businesses initially across 16 counties, with plans to reach 64,000 total locations by the end of 2026.

What is the total investment for Comcast's rural Florida internet expansion?

The total investment is $322 million, funded through a public-private partnership between Comcast and the state of Florida.

Which Florida counties are included in Comcast's current expansion?

The expansion covers 16 counties including Bradford, Charlotte, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Highlands, Jackson, Lee, Leon, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Okeechobee, St. Johns and St. Lucie.

What internet speeds will be available in Comcast's rural Florida expansion?

The expansion will provide access to gigabit+ internet speeds to both residential and business customers through Comcast's next-generation network.

How is Comcast making internet accessible to low-income Florida residents?

Through its Internet Essentials program, Comcast offers low-cost internet service, digital skills training, and subsidized computers to eligible income-constrained households.