Comcast Expands Gigabit-Speed Fiber Network to Nearly 73,000 Homes and Businesses in Stratford, Norwalk and Wilton

Rhea-AI Summary

Comcast (CMCSA) has announced a significant expansion of its gigabit-speed fiber network to nearly 73,000 additional homes and businesses in Fairfield County, Connecticut. This expansion includes:

• Stratford: Services available to some of 23,000 homes and businesses, completion expected by end of 2025
• Norwalk: Construction ongoing for 43,000 homes and businesses, services starting this month, completion by end of 2026
• Wilton: Construction ongoing for 7,000+ homes and businesses, services starting this month, completion by end of 2026

This expansion is part of Comcast's ongoing investment in Connecticut, with nearly $400 million invested in technology and infrastructure over the last three years. The company offers advanced WiFi technology, gigabit speeds, and reliable connectivity through its Xfinity and Comcast Business services.

Positive

• Expansion of gigabit-speed fiber network to 73,000 additional homes and businesses in Fairfield County
• Investment of nearly $400 million in Connecticut's technology and infrastructure over the last three years
• Offering advanced WiFi technology and gigabit speeds to new areas
• Potential for increased market share and revenue in expanded service areas

Negative

• Significant capital expenditure required for network expansion
• Extended timeline for project completion (up to end of 2026 for some areas)
• Potential competition from existing providers in new service areas

Insights

Telecommunications Analyst

Comcast's expansion of its fiber network to nearly 73,000 additional homes and businesses in Fairfield County represents a significant infrastructure investment. This move strengthens Comcast's market position in Connecticut, potentially increasing its subscriber base and revenue streams. The phased rollout, extending to 2026, suggests a strategic, long-term approach to market penetration.

The expansion aligns with growing demand for high-speed internet, especially post-pandemic. Offering gigabit-speed products to nearly a third of their customers indicates Comcast is well-positioned in the premium segment. The mention of DOCSIS 4.0 technology delivering symmetrical gig speeds is particularly noteworthy, as it could provide a competitive edge against fiber-only providers.

While this expansion is positive for Comcast's growth prospects, investors should monitor the $400 million investment's impact on short-term financials and long-term return on investment. The expansion's success will depend on adoption rates and competition from other providers in these areas.

Market Research Analyst

Comcast's strategic expansion in Fairfield County targets affluent communities, potentially yielding higher average revenue per user (ARPU). The focus on Stratford, Norwalk and Wilton - areas with median household incomes above the national average - suggests a calculated move to capture high-value customers.

The company's emphasis on advanced features like ultra-low latency and wall-to-wall WiFi coverage caters to the increasing demand for seamless home networking, especially among remote workers and gamers. This positioning could help Comcast differentiate itself in a competitive market.

Importantly, Comcast's community initiatives, including $12.4 million in charitable contributions and the installation of 32 Lift Zones, demonstrate corporate social responsibility. Such efforts can enhance brand perception and customer loyalty, potentially leading to reduced churn rates and improved customer acquisition in these new markets.

Nation’s Largest Broadband Provider Brings New Option for Powerful Broadband to More Fairfield County Communities

BERLIN, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Comcast announces the expansion of its smart, fast and reliable Xfinity network to nearly 73,000 additional homes and businesses in Fairfield County. Comcast’s fiber network expansion will bring Xfinity and Comcast Business products, including Xfinity Internet and Xfinity Mobile as well as Comcast Business Internet and Comcast Business Mobile, to the area.

This fiber expansion includes the following areas:

• Stratford, CT: Services are already available to some of the nearly 23,000 homes and businesses and the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
• Norwalk, CT: Construction is ongoing to 43,000 homes and businesses, services will start to be available later this month and the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
• Wilton, CT: Construction is ongoing to more than 7,000 homes and businesses, services will start to be available later this month and the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

“By expanding our gigabit-speed network to all of Stratford, Norwalk and Wilton, Comcast is providing a new option for residents and businesses looking for fast, reliable Internet and mobile services,” said Carolyne Hannan, Senior Vice President of Comcast’s New England Region. “We are proud to continue investing in Connecticut with our latest fiber expansion, and our local technicians and retail teams are dedicated to delivering an exceptional experience to more consumers across Fairfield County.”

Residents can visit Xfinity.com/MyTown and businesses can visit Business.Comcast.com to see if their address is eligible for Xfinity and Comcast Business services.

These projects are part of Comcast’s ongoing expansion in Connecticut, where the company has invested nearly $400 million in technology and infrastructure over the last three years – including upgrades to its local network.

Powered by Xfinity

Comcast’s network and Internet experience are powering homes today and into the future.

• Ultimate Capacity: Xfinity customers connect more than 1 billion devices across the company’s network annually. With the next-generation Xfinity gateways, we deliver the most advanced WiFi technology carrying three times more bandwidth to power streaming, gaming, videoconferencing, and more, simultaneously.
• Fastest Internet: Nearly a third of Xfinity Internet customers subscribe to gigabit speed products. Recently Comcast connected the first customers in the world to a DOCSIS 4.0 connection, delivering symmetrical gig speeds over existing connections in customers’ homes with plans to continue to roll out these speeds across the country over the coming years.
• Unprecedented Coverage: The latest Xfinity Gateway provides a more reliable connection throughout the home. Customers can get wall-to-wall WiFi coverage with a powerful WiFi Boost Pod that extends coverage to hard-to-reach areas of the home.
• Most Reliable Connection: Comcast is scaling the nation’s largest and most reliable network that passes 62 million homes and businesses and counting.
• Ultra-Low Latency: The Xfinity network and the latest Xfinity Gateway are a powerful combination that deliver ultra-low latency for those moments when response times matter most like video games, a fast-growing category with Xfinity households averaging more than one gaming console per home.

For local businesses, Comcast Business offers a suite of connectivity, communications, networking, cybersecurity, wireless and managed solutions to help organizations of different sizes prepare for what’s next. Powered by the nation’s largest Gigabit-speed broadband network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and one of the leading service providers to the Enterprise market. Comcast Business has been consistently recognized by industry analysts and associations as a leader and innovator, and one of the fastest-growing providers of Ethernet services.

Over the last three years, Comcast has provided $12.4 million in cash and in-kind charitable contributions to support 195 nonprofits across Connecticut. The company has also installed 32 Lift Zones in Connecticut, providing free WiFi service to help these community centers promote digital learning. Lift Zones, which provide internet access on-the-go, complement our Internet Essentials program that provides in-home broadband connectivity. Lift Zones help students, veterans, and anyone who, for a variety of reasons (including homelessness, or housing insecurity issues), need somewhere to go during the day to connect to the Internet. Lift Zones are part of Project UP, Comcast’s comprehensive $1 billion commitment to help build a future of unlimited possibilities and the continuation of the company’s long history of giving back to communities where it provides service and where its employees live and work.

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. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240821284062/en/

Media

Kristen Roberts

860-982-9740

Kristen_Roberts@comcast.com

Elizabeth Walden

860-918-3545

Elizabeth_Walden@comcast.com

Source: Comcast

FAQ

When will Comcast's (CMCSA) network expansion in Stratford, CT be completed?

Comcast's network expansion project in Stratford, CT is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

How many homes and businesses will Comcast's (CMCSA) expansion reach in Norwalk, CT?

Comcast's expansion in Norwalk, CT will reach approximately 43,000 homes and businesses.

What is the total investment Comcast (CMCSA) has made in Connecticut's infrastructure over the past three years?

Comcast has invested nearly $400 million in technology and infrastructure in Connecticut over the last three years.

What services will be available through Comcast's (CMCSA) network expansion in Fairfield County?

The expansion will bring Xfinity Internet, Xfinity Mobile, Comcast Business Internet, and Comcast Business Mobile services to the area.