News Summary
Comcast has completed a $6.1 million broadband expansion project in Greenwood County, providing high-speed internet access to over 1,200 residents for the first time. The initiative, funded partly by federal recovery funds, aims to bridge the digital divide in rural South Carolina. The announcement was made at a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local officials, and the project includes providing laptops to students and establishing a ‘Lift Zone’ for free Wi-Fi access at the Boys & Girls Club.
Greenwood, South Carolina — Comcast has successfully completed a $6.1 million broadband expansion project in Greenwood County, enabling high-speed internet access for over 1,200 residents for the first time. Funded in part by federal pandemic recovery funds from the American Rescue Plan Act’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, this project aims to bridge the digital divide in rural areas of South Carolina.
The expansion was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at the Boys & Girls Club of the Lakelands Region on May 22, 2025. Various local officials, including Greenwood Mayor Brandon Smith, state Senator Billy Garrett, and Representative John McCravy, attended the event to acknowledge the significance of improved internet access for the community.
Mike McArdle, Comcast’s regional senior vice president, indicated that the initiative will bring fast, reliable broadband and Wi-Fi services to the region. The expansion is expected to significantly enhance opportunities for education, promote business growth, and foster overall community development in Greenwood County. As part of the event’s celebration, 50 students from the Boys & Girls Club were provided with free laptops through Comcast’s Project UP initiative, aimed at helping students overcome technological barriers.
In addition to the laptop distribution, the Boys & Girls Club announced the establishment of a “Lift Zone”, which will offer free, robust Wi-Fi access for students requiring at-home internet for completing school work and accessing digital resources. To further support educational initiatives, Comcast has also donated $10,000 to the Boys & Girls Club specifically for digital literacy classes, assisting in the development of essential skills needed for today’s digital world.
The laptop program focused on students preparing for college or those who faced challenges with internet access at home. Each laptop serves as a tool to facilitate not only schoolwork but also college applications, signifying a vital step towards future educational advancement for the recipients.
Jim Stritzinger, director of the South Carolina Broadband Office, emphasized the role of broadband as a crucial economic driver for growth, underscoring the need for such projects in enhancing local economic stability. South Carolina is close to achieving full broadband coverage, with approximately 28,000 serviceable locations still remaining unconnected.
The project forms part of Comcast’s ongoing commitment to invest in underserved communities and promote digital equity through various initiatives aimed at increasing digital accessibility. By enhancing connectivity and access to technology resources, Comcast’s expansion is expected to positively impact community engagement and participation.
Residents in Greenwood County can start signing up for Comcast services immediately. Several options are available for registration, including both online and in-person outreach efforts, making it easier for families to connect with high-speed internet services.
This initiative not only presents immediate benefits to residents but also contributes to the long-term vision of an interconnected community in Greenwood, where digital access enables personal, educational, and professional growth.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Comcast Expands Broadband Services in Greenwood, SC
Broadband Expansion Boosts Connectivity in Greenwood, SC
Comcast Invests $6.1 Million in Greenwood, SC Broadband Expansion
Greenwood County Secures $11.6 Million for Fiber-Optic Expansion
Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Comcast Brings $6.1M Broadband Expansion
- BBC Magazine: Comcast Completes Network Expansion in Greenwood
- The Fast Mode: Comcast Broadband Arrives in Greenwood
- PR Newswire: Comcast Connecting Homes in Greenwood
- Lightwave: Building Broadband Expansion
- Wikipedia: Broadband in the United States
- Google Search: South Carolina broadband
- Google Scholar: Broadband Expansion South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Broadband
- Google News: Comcast Greenwood
