BUCHANAN, Va. (WDBJ) – People in the Town of Buchanan will soon have a new option for internet access. Comcast announced Tuesday it has begun work to expand its rural internet network to the town.
The town said having more internet options will greatly benefit residents.
“This truly gives our citizens another option for high-speed internet and cable television. We do have one company that is providing it now, but it’s always good to have some competition and give them options that they can access,” said Buchanan Interim Town Manager Jon Ellestad.
Over the next year, Comcast will connect over 750 homes and businesses in the Buchanan area to its Xfinity high-speed internet services.
“What we hear most from residents is that they need strong powerful internet to power their lives, from remote work to telehealth to streaming and gaming. What really differentiates our network is that we deliver that fast, reliable internet and the ability to cover all of your connectivity needs with one simple seamless solution that includes internet, TV, mobile, smart home services, and more,” said Charlie Schoenthaler, Comcast Public Relations Director for the Beltway Region.
The expansion is just the latest project in the company’s ongoing efforts to bring more broadband access to our hometowns. It launched an expansion in Bedford in May.
“We have a strong track record of expanding our network across rural areas, including in Southwest Virginia. Those successful projects recently completed in areas like Christiansburg or the Lynchburg area, Campbell County, and Forest. We’re continuing to deepen our investment across Virginia, including in rural areas, with this expansion,” said Schoenthaler.
Currently, Shentel is Buchanan’s only internet provider, and people in town say they’re excited to have another option. Kay Ryder has lived in Buchanan for 40 years. She said she often has internet connection problems at her home.
“I’m glad to hear that because I have some problems with my Shentel. So I hope the new one that’s coming will maybe be a little better and stay connected more regularly,” said Ryder. “Two weeks ago, it really went down, and I couldn’t get it back up at all, so that was a problem. It’s on my TV, of course, and if it goes, I can’t watch TV. So yeah, I like the idea of having another option to see.”
The first homes in the town have already been connected. Interim Town Manager Jon Ellestad said it is crucial for small towns and rural areas to have high-speed internet access.
“Now we’re really blessed to have two companies here. In small towns, it’s very difficult sometimes to get high-speed internet, especially throughout the entire community. So this is something we’re really blessed to have,” said Ellestad. “You have to be connected these days to participate in society, to purchase things, to get the communication services you need; it is absolutely crucial for everyone and to have something that’s reasonably priced that even low-income individuals can afford.”
Comcast said work on the project should be complete by the end of next summer.
You can find out when your home will be connected here.
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