Comcast is working to connect more than 1,000 new homes and businesses in Ouachita Parish, LA to reliable, high-speed Internet by expanding its network to the region, enhancing digital infrastructure, promoting economic growth, and positioning residents and local businesses for success in an increasingly digital world. The network expansion brings Internet, mobile and security services from Xfinity and Comcast Business to residents and businesses for the first time.
The project is made possible in part by a $1.9 million grant from Louisiana’s Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities (GUMBO) program, administered by the Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity.
To commemorate the expansion, Comcast hosted a three-part “Digital Expansion Rally” in Ouachita Parish. During the first event, Comcast officials, along with state and local leaders, surprised 430 Central Elementary School students with free laptops, helping to close the digital divide and provide them access to the digital world.
“Seeing our kids’ faces light up when they realized they were receiving laptops was a moment I will never forget,” said Central Elementary School Principal Deborah Hamby. “It’s never too early to learn digital skills, so I thank Comcast for their investment in our students.”
Later in the day, Comcast held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its newest Xfinity WiFi-connected “Lift Zone” at the Calhoun Civic Club. Lift Zones provide internet connectivity at community centers and other public facilities allowing students to get online, participate in distance learning and do their homework. The sites also benefit adults, connecting them to online education, job searches, healthcare information and public assistance. Comcast has launched more than 1,400 Lift Zones nationally with local community partners.
Additionally, Comcast presented a $10,000 grant to the club to advance digital skills training. The grant and Digitial Expansion Rally are part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion initiative to advance digital opportunity and economic mobility.
To conclude the Digital Expansion Rally, Comcast hosted a parent meeting at Central Elementary School and treated attendees to snow cones. Comcast also gave a presentation on Internet Essentials, the nation’s largest broadband adoption initiative for income-constrained families. Internet Essentials provides low-cost broadband service, digital literacy training and discounted computers.
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