CLAY COUNTY — Although it's hard to imagine a world without being online, an estimated 24 million Americans still lack access to the internet, according to the Network Installers.

But Comcast is changing that one home at a time.

The media and tech company has announced a broadband expansion in Clay County that will bring reliable, high-speed internet services to more than 2,300 homes and businesses in the community.

"We're very excited to see this happen, because it's just going to allow them to grow and expand, and just be connected to the digital world," said Adrian Miguez, Comcast Senior Director of Florida Region Construction.

County-wide construction is ongoing on the new fiber-powered network and expected to be completed by the end of the year. Underground cables will carry data through neighborhoods and ultimately connect residents to the outside world.

"These fibers make it to each individual home and each individual business," Miguez said. "So, everybody gets a dedicated line of service."

As a result, Miguez said, customers will gain access to a full suite of residential Xfinity services, including high-speed internet, streaming, mobile, voice and home security. Business owners can also delve into Comcast Business, benefitting from a secure digital economy and boosted productivity.

“As we continue expanding our network across Florida, we're proud to bring reliable, high-speed Internet to more homes and businesses throughout Clay County,” said Kristeen Cominiello, Senior Vice President of Comcast’s Florida Region. “From supporting students and families to helping local businesses grow, access to powerful connectivity helps communities thrive."

The entire project was made possible through a public-private partnership with the state, said Samuel Waltzer, Comcast Senior Manager for Northeast Florida Government and Regulatory Affairs.

Waltzer said Comcast works with local communities to configure the demand and identify which areas are considered historically underserved. They then connect with counties and municipalities to make sure an infrastructure build-out is possible. 

"They have a close ear to their residents. Residents will tell them, 'Hey, we wish Comcast would serve us. There's either no reliable internet provider or there's nothing here.' [Then] those local community leaders come to me," he said.

The expansion is also part of the company’s broader Florida investments, which include network builds in Bradford, Columbia, Glades, Highlands, Lake, Leon, Miami-Dade, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties.

In Clay specifically, Waltzer said there was a focus on rural communities, like Clay Hill, Green Cove Springs, Keystone Heights, Kingsley Lake, Lake Geneva, Middleburg and Penney Farms. Of the 2,300 homes that will be serviced, they said 1,600 of them have never had an internet service provider before.

County Commission Chair Kristen Burke said this partnership acts as an imperative solution.

“We’re proud of the work we accomplished with Comcast to create and expand digital opportunity across Clay County," she said.

With service available to more than 65 million homes and businesses nationwide, Comcast has continued to be a leading provider in broadband connectivity. And they're ready to keep going.

For details on construction timing and service availability, residents can visit xfinity.com/mytown and enter their address. The Xfinity Store, located at 1340 Blanding Blvd., is also open for assistance.