Comcast Business today announced it will invest more than$9 million over the next year in a major expansion of its fiber-based network in diverse areas across Virginia, reaching more than 3,000 businesses. Capable of delivering up to 100 Gigabits-per-second (Gbps) of network capacity in most areas, the fiber optic Ethernet network expansion will support advanced services and give the company the ability to bring new customers, ranging from small and medium-sized organizations to large enterprises, online more quickly.
The first concentrated expansion to launch in the state encompasses two large business districts in theRichmond area – Downtown and the Near West End. The completed investment will provide businesses and government organizations in parts of growing economic hubs, such as the Capitol District, Scott's Addition and the Museum District, with high-performance Ethernet, Internet and advanced voice solutions. Additional network expansions over the next year include Glen Allen outside of Richmond, Sterling near Dulles Airport, Manassas,Fredericksburg, and parts of Southwest Virginia, including Lynchburg, Salem and Roanoke County within the company's existing footprint.
"The investments Comcast continues to make in Virginia's technological infrastructure play a key role in maintaining our competitive business climate in a 21st-century economy," said Virginia Secretary of TechnologyKaren Jackson. "Being able to attract diverse businesses in growing fields helps ensure the security of the Commonwealth's economy today and into the future."
In addition to the commerce and transportation industries and law and finance institutions prevalent inRichmond, the revitalization of entertainment and retail districts – combined with the influx of new small businesses and startups – creates a hotbed of economic development requiring access to the advanced communications solutions Comcast Business offers.
"Investments in advanced technology needs are always welcomed in our city," said Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones. "Comcast Business' network expansion will increase opportunities for our downtown businesses and support continued development and growth."
With a comprehensive portfolio of Ethernet options, Comcast Business serves schools, businesses, hospitals and other organizations that require large amounts of bandwidth, are looking to link multiple sites or branch locations or plan to connect their offices to a third-party data center.
"As Virginia continues to develop vibrant business communities, Comcast Business recognizes the need to light up our high-performance Ethernet offerings quickly for new businesses and provide scalable solutions that can meet demand as they grow," said Byron Cantrall, regional vice president for Comcast Business. "We are committed to making continued investments in our innovative infrastructure that position these locations around the Commonwealth as the obvious strategic choice for organizations requiring advanced technology services."
Nationally, Comcast Business's Ethernet services are delivered over an advanced network that spans 140,000 miles. Comcast was the first service provider in the world to offer Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) CE 2.0 certified Ethernet services and was also the first service provider to achieve all three of the previous CE 1.0 certifications (MEF 9, 14 and 18).
About Comcast Business:
Comcast Business offers Ethernet, Internet, Wi-Fi, Voice, TV and Managed Enterprise Solutions to help organizations of all sizes transform their business. Powered by a next-generation, fiber-based network, and backed by 24/7 technical support, Comcast Business is one of the largest contributors to the growth of Comcast Cable. Comcast Business is the nation's largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and has emerged as a force in the Enterprise market; recognized over the last two years by leading industry associations as one of the fastest growing provider of Ethernet services.
About Comcast Cable:
Comcast Cable is one of the nation's largest video, high-speed Internet and phone providers to residential customers under the XFINITY brand and also provides these services to businesses. Comcast has invested in technology to build an advanced network that delivers among the fastest broadband speeds, and brings customers personalized video, communications and home management offerings. Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
