CLAY HILL – On most days, Charles Jammes doesn’t have cellphone service at his home in Long Branch area, much less the internet.

That will all change on May 16, when Comcast will connect Jammes to the world wide web as part of the first phase of the Clay County Broadband Project.

Nearly 20 residents signed up for service at Clay Hill Elementary on Saturday, May 6. Most in the remote areas of Clay Hill and Keystone Heights generally had to rely on spotty satellite internet for service. Comcast completed installation to the northwest portion of Clay Hill and Keystone Heights north of County Road 214 and east of State Road 22, moving out toward McRae.

Jammes said living without a cellphone and internet service has been difficult. How did he do it?

“That’s a good question,” he said. “We’re supposed to have a hotspot out there, but it doesn’t work. I don’t even have phone service most of the time. It’s going to be interesting how this works.”

The Board of County Commissioners contracted with Comcast to determine existing systems in the lacking areas of the county.

As the network expands, so will connectivity. The goal was to eliminate the digital divide through this process. The county is actively working to accomplish this with Comcast and with the help of grants.

BCC Chair Betsy Condon, whose district includes Clay Hill and Keystone Heights, was at the community sign-up. She also said residents could also call Comast’s Xfinity to sign up.

“This project is more than just the internet – it touches education, careers, entertainment, and resources,” BCC Chair Betsy Condon said. “Just call them and they’ll take care of it.”

The county has started a second phase to include more of Keystone Heights. A third phase has yet to identify an area in need of service.

Many who signed up last Saturday will be eligible for discounts for the Affordable Connectivity Program. Neighbors interested in this option can visit acpbenefit.org to learn more.

For more information on broadband service, visit xfinity.com.