Comcast Business (NASDAQ:CMCSA) says it is investing $20 million in an expansion of its fiber-based network in downtown Pittsburgh to reach more than 425 additional businesses directly and make the network more accessible to others. The fiber-optic Ethernet network expansion is designed for up to 100 Gbps of network capacity to support business services such as video, voice and data.
The expansion will deploy more than 64 miles of new fiber-optic cable and encompass the Golden Triangle downtown area. Work began about a year ago and is scheduled to be completed by 4Q 2018.
"This is one of the most significant infrastructure investments Comcast Business has made across the country, and we're proud to bring our best-in-class network deeper into downtown Pittsburgh to help the city and region continue its economic growth," said Paul Merritt, regional vice president for Comcast Business. "As demand for our high-performance Ethernet offerings continues to soar, Comcast Business recognizes the need to respond quickly and provide scalable solutions that can meet demand as businesses grow.
The Keystone Region Comcast Business team last year completed the company's first 100 Gbps network in the Eastern United States, connecting Penn State University's data center with its Milton S. Hershey Medical Center facility.
Comcast Business serves 20 of the nation's top 25 markets and is one of the fastest-growing Ethernet providers in the nation. Nationally, Comcast Business' network spans more than 153,000 miles.