7 days ago
- Business
- Business Journals
How Comcast's broadband expansion is advancing economic development and digital literacy in Rio Rancho
Comcast has completed more than half its expansion project in Rio Rancho, bringing its fast, secure and reliable fiber network to more than 20,000 homes and businesses — with more to come. This includes Xfinity Internet with speeds faster than 1 gigabit, Xfinity Mobile, and Comcast Business Internet and Mobile.
'We are proud to continue bringing our next-generation broadband network to Rio Rancho,' said Chris Dunkeson, area vice president for Comcast. 'This expansion represents a significant investment in the community, providing residents and businesses with access to high-speed internet that is essential for today's digital world.'
Faster internet service now, more to come
This $150 million multiyear expansion adds to the company's $305 million investment in New Mexico over the past three years.
According to Comcast, gigabit internet service transmits data up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) – or 1,000 megabits per second (Mbps). At that speed, you can download a full HD movie in a few minutes, update your smartphone's operating system in seconds and join videoconferences with ultra-high-definition video.
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When construction is complete, all Rio Rancho residents will have access to Comcast's Xfinity suite of products and services, including internet, video, mobile, voice and managed home solutions.
Benefits for new and existing industries
Local businesses also are gaining access to Comcast Business, which offers a suite of connectivity, communications, networking, cybersecurity, wireless and managed solutions to help organizations of all sizes prepare for what's next.
'This broadband infrastructure has become the backbone of economic growth and helps attract new industries to strengthen the local economy,' said Jerry Schalow, president of the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce. 'Meanwhile, this fiber network helps our existing businesses in a hugely positive way. Rio Rancho is strong in high-tech, manufacturing, health care, retail and restaurants. Businesses in these industries are thriving because of the reliability and power of the Comcast network.'
As construction phases are completed, residents and businesses will be notified when they can sign up for service. They can also visit and enter their addresses for additional details on construction timing and upcoming service availability. Construction will continue throughout 2025 and is scheduled to be fully complete by 2026.
Expanded opportunities to connect and learn
Comcast's commitment to the communities it serves goes beyond network expansion and aims to increase economic mobility through programs that help bridge the digital divide. Among these programs are Internet Essentials, which offers low-cost, high-speed internet to eligible customers, and Lift Zones, which offers free internet access for students and families.
Comcast is investing in local nonprofit partners, including R4 Creating and ReadWest Inc., along with economic development and business growth partners such as the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce and Sandoval Economic Alliance.
Cyndy Ratliff, executive director at ReadWest, said the nonprofit has a Lift Zone at its location that provides a reliable space for students to connect and learn. Adult learners also benefit from the space, and job seekers have used the Lift Zone to apply for jobs.
Comcast also donated 25 laptops that residents are using for remote study, in their professional development and to connect with telemedicine providers.
Comcast's financial support allows ReadWest to focus on digital literacy, including for the elderly. This includes teaching them how to recognize cyberscams, perform online banking and connect with others through social media.
'Comcast's support has had a positive impact on the citizens of Rio Rancho,' Ratliff said. 'Boosting digital literacy skills creates equity in our learning opportunities, especially for those who previously didn't have access to these tools and this kind of education.'
