Nearly 2,000 homes and businesses in Bolton and Edwards now have improved internet access following the completion of Comcast’s broadband expansion effort.
State and local leaders joined Comcast officials at the Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School on Tuesday to announce the project’s completion,
During the event, Comcast released that the company had partnered with the Town of Bolton Development Corporation to gift each student at Bolton-Edwards with a free laptop.
“This broadband expansion and tremendously generous laptop donation by Comcast are a fantastic boost to the community in Bolton and Edwards,” Governor Tate Reeves stated. “The investment will help provide critical broadband access and support educational opportunities for Mississippi families.”
Joined @comcast for an exciting announcement about broadband expansion in Hinds County.
Enjoyed helping them give laptops to local K through 8th grade students at Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School.
Thanks to Comcast for their generosity and support of Mississippians! pic.twitter.com/hrYoTXszL1
— Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) August 22, 2023
Reeves noted that the event complimented state efforts to expand broadband including through the creation of the Office of Broadband Expansion and Accessibility of Mississippi (BEAM).
BEAM, which was approved in 2022, is currently working to manage a variety of grant programs that will invest in broadband expansion and improvement initiatives across Mississippi.
“Comcast is a vital partner in bridging the digital divide in our communities,” Congressman Bennie
Thompson explained. “This broadband expansion and laptop donation is a game-changer for the residents and businesses in Bolton and Edwards, and I’m confident this will have a meaningful long-term impact and
greatly improve the quality of life in my community.”
The recently-completed expansion also provides families access to Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, which is the nation’s largest private-sector broadband adoption initiative for low-income families.
When combined with the Federal Government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and Xfinity Mobile, the combination allows income-constrained families to have free or low-cost home internet and mobile data plans.
“Comcast maintains an unwavering commitment to address the barriers to broadband adoption across
the communities we serve,” Jason Gumbs, Regional Senior Vice President at Comcast, said. “We are
grateful to the Towns of Bolton and Edwards for their support on this meaningful project, and for our
partnerships with state and local leaders in Mississippi.”
Local businesses in Bolton and Edwards will now have access to a full suite of Comcast Business
Internet, voice, and video services while residential customers will be able to use an array of Xfinity services.
