In recent years, Comcast has invested $1 billion in Utah to serve its 1.1 million household and business customers in the state. We caught up with Jennifer Somers, vice president of government & community affairs, to learn more about how the long-time EDCUtah investor is supporting business growth and tackling the “digital divide.”

Comcast has made significant investments in Utah. How do those investments support the state's economic growth, and why is Utah an important market for the company?

Across the country, Comcast has invested nearly $200 billion over the past five years to expand broadband, support U.S. jobs, and strengthen communities—and Utah is an important part of that story.

In the last three years alone, Comcast has invested more than $1 billion here in Utah —  spanning network infrastructure and our workforce — with more than half a billion dollars going directly into our network, because we know connectivity is the foundation for economic growth.

Today, our network reaches more than 1.1 million homes and businesses statewide, helping create the conditions for job creation, business expansion, and long-term investment.

Utah continues to be an important market for the company because of the state’s strong population growth, business-friendly environment, and expanding communities that continue to drive demand for fast, reliable connectivity. Utah is a market where Comcast can expand our network and support long-term economic growth.

We're seeing that translate into real economic impact across Utah communities, including in Eagle Mountain, where we expanded our network to more than 18,000 homes and businesses, supporting growth in one of the state’s fastest-growing communities. Through partnerships with the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce and the local library, Comcast supported a digital navigator program that provides hands-on training to help residents, including seniors, build essential digital skills to access services, participate in the workforce, and stay connected in today’s digital economy.

How does high-speed, reliable broadband serve as a foundation for Utah communities and businesses to compete and grow?

Broadband today is essential; it's what allows communities and economies to compete.

That's why we've made sustained investments at scale, in the last five years we’ve invested more than $80 billion into our network nationwide.

In Utah, that infrastructure powers everything from small business operations to advanced industries. When businesses have access to high-speed, reliable internet, they can hire, expand, and reach new markets with confidence. That digital foundation is what allows communities to attract investment and build a resilient, future-ready economy.

What types of industries and businesses in Utah benefit most from Comcast's network and services?

The reality is—every sector benefits.

From small businesses to global enterprises, connectivity enables companies across Utah to operate, innovate, and scale.

Nationally, Comcast powers more than 2 million small businesses—more than any other provider—which gives a sense of how critical connectivity is to economic growth at every level.  

And we see that same impact play out here in Utah—across industries like healthcare, manufacturing, education, and retail.  

How does Comcast partner with state and local leaders to expand broadband infrastructure and drive economic development across Utah?

This work only happens when the private sector and public sector are aligned.

At the national level, Comcast's network of more than 65 million homes and businesses with access to our network demonstrates both the scale of the opportunity and the experience required to deliver infrastructure at this level.

That experience carries directly into how we partner with state and local leaders in Utah.

Comcast is proud to partner with the Utah Broadband Center to further expand our network, bringing service to unserved areas and addressing critical connectivity gaps across the state.

As part of this partnership, Comcast is investing $20 million to support broadband deployment and improve access for underserved communities throughout Utah.  We work closely with communities to align investments, streamline deployment, and expand connectivity into new areas—especially those that have historically been harder to reach.  

Programs like the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (BEAD) offer a major opportunity, and success will come down to strong partnerships and proven execution. 

How is Comcast supporting small business growth and entrepreneurship across Utah?

Small businesses are the backbone of Utah's economy, and connectivity is central to their success.

Across the country, Comcast supports millions of businesses with the connectivity they need to operate and grow, and that same focus applies here in Utah.

We're not just connecting businesses, we're helping them compete. We’ve introduced new, simplified pricing options designed specifically for small businesses, making it easier for them to access the connectivity they need with more predictable, transparent costs.

From fast, reliable internet to secure and scalable solutions, we help Utah businesses operate efficiently and expand into new markets

Beyond connectivity, we’re also investing directly in local entrepreneurs. In 2025, Comcast RISE awarded 100 grant packages to small businesses across the Wasatch Front, providing $5,000 monetary grants, technology upgrades, marketing support, and business consultation services. 

For our Comcast RISE recipients, that support is driving real growth, helping them invest in their businesses and expand their impact. As an example, Francis Castillo, CEO and owner, JFS IT Solutions, and Comcast RISE recipient, said: “Words cannot fully describe the happiness and gratitude I feel. This grant is an incredible opportunity to overcome challenges, grow, and help other entrepreneurs leverage technology to build their businesses.”

We also partner with local organizations and business communities to provide entrepreneurs with the tools, connectivity, and support they need to start, scale, and succeed in an increasingly digital economy.

‍Beyond building networks, how is Comcast working to expand access, affordability, and digital skills for Utah residents?

Building the network is just the first step. Making sure people can actually use it is just as important. Nationally, Comcast's investments are focused not just on infrastructure, but on strengthening communities and expanding opportunity.

In Utah, that shows up through programs like Internet Essentials, which has connected more than 241,000 low-income residents to affordable internet over the past decade.

At the same time, through our $1 billion Project UP initiative, we're investing in digital skills, workforce development, and entrepreneurship – including $8 million in the last three years right here in Utah.

When you combine access, affordability, and skills, that's when you start to see real, lasting economic mobility.

‍As Utah continues to grow, how is Comcast preparing its network and investments to support the state's future economy?

Utah is growing quickly, and we're building our network to match that momentum.

Our investments in the state are part of a much broader, long-term commitment. 

In Utah, that means expanding into new communities, including rural areas, and advancing our network to support multi-gig speeds and next-generation technologies.

We're not just building for today—we're building for where the economy is going.

For more information, visit www.comcast.com. “Building Together” highlights examples of the impact of your investment and EDCUtah’s work in communities across the state. Do you have a story you’d like us to share? Email connect@edcutah.org.