Greenwood County in South Carolina is set to experience a big leap in internet access, thanks to a $6.1 million state grant awarded to Comcast.
This major investment will allow the company to expand its broadband network into parts of the county that previously had limited or no access to high-speed internet.
The funding comes from the South Carolina Broadband Office through its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Capital Projects Fund. The grant is part of the state’s broader goal to improve digital infrastructure in underserved areas and ensure more people have access to reliable internet.
With this new expansion, over 1,600 homes and businesses in Greenwood County will get access to Comcast’s fast and secure broadband network.
The areas targeted are mostly in rural parts of the county, where residents and businesses often struggle with poor connectivity or no service at all.
Comcast says this project will bring its full range of Xfinity internet and voice services to the newly connected homes and offices.
Residents will also benefit from Comcast’s commitment to digital equity, which means offering affordable plans for low-income families. For example, eligible residents can access the Internet Essentials plan, which starts at $9.95 per month.
In addition to home users, local businesses will also gain access to Comcast Business solutions. These include high-speed internet, phone, and cybersecurity services, which can help small and medium-sized businesses grow and operate more efficiently.
The work to build out the broadband infrastructure is already underway. Comcast has promised to complete the project as quickly as possible, although an exact timeline has not been shared publicly yet.
State and local officials have welcomed this development. Many have pointed out how the pandemic made it clear that the internet is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for work, school, healthcare, and even staying connected with loved ones.
According to officials, investments like this one are important for closing the “digital divide” between urban and rural areas. With better internet, students can attend online classes, workers can do their jobs remotely, and businesses can reach new customers and operate more smoothly.
Comcast is also working with local partners to raise awareness about its programs for affordable internet access.
For example, eligible households can apply for the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which offers up to $30 per month toward internet bills. In some cases, this means people can get access to the internet for free or at very low cost.
This broadband expansion is just one part of Comcast’s larger effort to grow its network across South Carolina. The company says it is continuing to invest in other rural areas across the state, especially where access is currently limited or non-existent.
Earlier this year, Comcast also completed similar projects in other parts of the state, improving internet coverage for thousands of people.
These efforts are in line with state and national goals to improve broadband infrastructure and ensure digital access for everyone.
In Greenwood, local leaders believe this project will bring long-term benefits. Better internet can support education, attract new businesses, and improve the quality of life for residents.
It can also help the area stay competitive with other parts of the country that already have access to high-speed internet.
Comcast has said it is committed to providing a reliable and future-ready network. This includes using advanced technology to make sure customers can enjoy smooth streaming, fast downloads, and strong online security.
As this $6.1 million project moves forward, residents of Greenwood County can look forward to joining the digital world with better speed, service, and support—thanks to the partnership between Comcast and the state of South Carolina.